As ‘Sam the Flower Man’ says, the florist’s main business is emotion, and for more than 40 years the duo behind the Shepparton establishment has added beauty to life’s most important milestones - times of profound joy and deep sorrow.
Letting go of Renato’s Florist wouldn’t be easy, Sam said, although he and Josie both agreed it was the right time.
“I'll be ripped out of here screaming and yelling, I tell you,” he said, half joking.
The shop opened as a nursery in 1981, and quickly transformed into a florist as Josie’s posies flew off the counter.
For the first 22 years of trade, Sam and Josie consistently worked seven days a week, until Sunday trade slowed with the arrival of Bunnings and extended supermarket opening hours.
Renato’s has given 11 apprentices a start in the industry over the years, employing six florists today - many of whom have been with the business for more than 20 years.
Even still, Sam and Josie were on deck most days of the week for the past two decades.
Now, tired and content, it’s time to enjoy life outside of work.
“We’ve only had one good holiday in 40 years, so we need to catch up on a few holidays,” Sam said.
There’s also a list of projects to embark on at home and precious time to enjoy with six grandchildren.
More than anything, Sam and Josie will miss their customers.
“If we don't have customers we don't have a business, so we need to thank our customers a lot,” Josie said, adding that she and Sam sorely missed face-to-face service during repeated COVID-19 lockdowns.
Turning customers away at the door went against their very nature.
“‘No’ is not in my vocabulary, I never say ‘no’,” Sam said.
“If someone asks me for something I’ll go out and do my best to try and do it.”
Renato’s Florist’s reputation for regular, generous participation in community fundraisers is testament to this fact.
In 2017, then GV Health Foundation director Carmel Johnson estimated the beloved business had donated at least $70,000 in flowers to the hospital over more than 30 years.
Thinking back, Josie wondered how they found the time for it all.
“But we did - we fitted it all in,” she said. “That’s the sort of stuff you need to do for your community - you give and you take, that’s how it goes. You have to do it.”
This challenge and responsibility is one Leeanne and Glenn are excited and honoured to take on.
They will have expert mentors in Sam and Josie, who share 80 years of experience between them, and the shop is not entirely new to Leeanne.
“She’s been here since the beginning, really, she used to come in Saturday mornings and help us out, and even up ‘til now she helps us out during busy times if we need her,” Josie said.
“She’s like a daughter to us,” Sam said.
Leeanne and Glenn were born and raised in Shepparton, where they are raising daughters Olivia and Emily.
“We can’t wait to continue to spread the love of sending flowers to the Shepparton community and beyond,” Leeanne said.
Glenn said they felt lucky knowing Sam and Josie were only a phone call away with help and advice.
The new owners will give the shop a bit of a facelift with a fresh coat of paint and new giftware ahead of the Christmas period.
“Other than that business will run as usual,” Leeanne said.
“We won’t be changing too much more until we get in and have a feel for what might be needed.”