7/18/2013 - Farrah's Florist: The Good and Bad News

Some good and not-so-good news concerning Farrah's Florist, a family owned business on Wilshire in Santa Monica.  Farrah's has lost it's fight to stay in the same location it's been for nearly 20 years.  SMMCN Treasurer Ellen Hannan says the store is now vacant.  The good news is they've relocated to 2006 Wilshire, next to the Radio Shack.  Below you'll find links to a recent Santa Monica Patch story about Farrah's, and a link to their Facebook page.
http://santamonica.patch.com/groups/business-
news/p/the-florist-s-last-stand
https://www.facebook.com/Farrahflorist

Moral to the story:  Farrah's is the kind of small, family-owned business that adds character to our city.  I first learned of their struggle a few months ago when I saw the sign and went inside to buy some flowers for my Honey.  Farrah's will be replaced by a Starbucks.  I have nothing against Starbucks, but the point is this... It's getting increasingly tough for small businesses to afford the rents required to do business in Santa Monica.  Bigger chains force out the little guys because they can afford to pay more and landlords know it.  I'm not passing judgments here.  All I know is that when residents talk about "losing the character of our city"... small businesses like Farrah's come to my mind.  Later today I'm heading over to Farrah's new location, 2006 Wilshire to buy some more flowers for my Honey.  I suggest you do the same.  Tell 'em Santa Monica Mid City Neighbors sent you.  -- jcs