The owners of Roorbach’s in Manitowoc want to retire, so, they’ve put the property up for sale.
Claire Olson, along with her husband Jim, has owned the 2-generation business since 1999. Claire told SeehaferNews.com, “We are in our 70’s, and we decided that maybe it’s time now.”
She emphasized the fact that they are only selling the building, not the business. They would close the flower shop &-garden center/greenhouse only after selling the property at the corner of South 29th and Custer Streets.
Claire also emphasized it was not a decision made overnight. “We’ve been thinking about this for a long time,” she explained. “We just thought that we were going to miss it…It’s a good business and we like the people so we would say ‘One more year. One more year.’ Well, this is the year.”
The former Claire Roorbach says her parents bought the business 67-years ago and it’s been a staple in the community ever since. But, she says with the arrival of the big-box stores there are many more choices. “People can buy roses at Kwik Trip for crying out loud. They can buy geraniums at Fleet Farm. We have always been quality concerned. We want to do the very best we can. Price then is reflected.”
Claire Olson said memories surround the people they’ve served because their customers are their friends. “We think about that every day,” she said. “We think about the people that have passed during the year…It’s the people. It sounds trite, but it’s true.”
Roorbach Flowers currently has about 6-full-time employees along with some seasonal workers. Olson singled out Bob Kellner, who has worked 49 Mother’s Days and has come back to help in the store despite being retired.
She said once they sell the property and close the business they intend to stay in Manitowoc.
