Northeast: Stein Florist, a Neighborhood Legend

Stein's has used Youtube to create videos not only as advertising tools but also as a way to educate its local and Internet community.

https://vimeo.com/59813838]

In 1887, the Stein family delivered flowers throughout Philadelphia via horse and buggy.

The horse and buggies might be gone, but more than 125 years later, Frankford Avenue’s Stein Florist is trying to maintain the same sense of professional and business ethics the family founded the company on. But in a more 21st century kind of way.

The original owners of Stein Florist, middle, sat for a portrait in the late 19th century (photo courtesy of Stein Florist).
The original owners of Stein Florist, middle, sat for a portrait in the late 19th century (photo courtesy of Stein Florist).

Owner Patrick Kelly, who has been with Stein Florist for more than 30 years, said Stein’s is all about servicing the public and never saying no to someone. “We’ve had requests that most florists would turn down because of the time and difficulty of the arrangements, however we service every request,” Kelly said.

Some of those requests include a floral arrangement made to look like a sports car as well as one made in the image of a Phillies cap. Kelly said other florists will even send their customers to Stein’s. “We often get people coming in here saying their florist recommended us because they knew we can accommodate any of their needs in a timely manner,” Kelly said.

One thing which also helps Stein’s stand out from its counterparts is its Web presence. Kelly said one of its recent goals is to put itself out there using websites such as YouTube. For instance, Kelly and his staff have created a video in which they parody Psy’s Gangnam Style by making their own video titled Oppa Stein Your Florist Style! When viewed side-by-side, the video mimics almost every scene selection from the original.

“They have managed to get their name out more, and being on the web now will really help, since people are relying so much more on technology,” said 24-year-old customer Stephanie Huhn. The Mayfair resident calls the Stein’s staff “excellent, friendly and helpful.”

Customers shopped for flowers at Stein Florist.
Customers shopped for flowers at Stein Florist.

Kelly also said they have spent time creating PSA’s, such as one against bullying. “We made sure all the information we wanted to use in the video was accurate and once we did, we went around the neighborhood asking other businesses and shop owners if they wanted to be in it and many said yes,” Kelly said.

Be it the 21st century or the 19th, Stein’s has relied on customers like Huhn to support local business. That loyalty was tested back in 2001 when a December fire gutted the building.

“We were closed for 10 months and honestly didn’t know if people would come back,” Kelly said. “But when we reopened, customers were coming in crying because they were so happy to see us reopen.”

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