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The summer of 2025 would have marked 70 years in operation for Carter’s Flower Shop. But the longtime Farmville operation has seen its last customer. The doors closed for the last time on Tuesday, Dec. 31

Launched in 1955 by Willie and Gray Carter, the flower shop at 711 West 3rd Street had always been based around a slogan of ‘Say It with Love’. The Carter family’s business plan was based on that four-letter word — love, with a goal to share their love of flowers with the community. Even up through last week, the business was making history, recognized as the oldest full-service florist in town. 

Around 1984, Anne Nase and Helen Stimpson bought Carter’s Flower Shop. They continued the Carter’s legacy until the current owner, Carolyn Jones purchased the shop in 2001. Carolyn kept the original name, saying “(it’s) not wise to mess with tradition!” 

Carolyn has been at the helm for over 20 years, providing top-notch service to all who need the perfect gift. But now, it’s time to say goodbye. Due to health concerns and the desire to spend more time with family, Carolyn is shutting things down. 

Carter’s Flower Shop closing will ‘leave a hole’ 

The closure of the beloved shop will leave a hole in the hearts of many in the area. Throughout the years, countless people have received deliveries from Carter’s, while many call this store their “go-to” for flower arrangements, gifts, and more. 

Hospitals have received deliveries from this local flower shop, cheering up the sick and welcoming new babies to the world. Many depend on Carter’s to provide beautiful casket top pieces or standing sprays to memorialize their loved ones. The most important day for a bride is their wedding day. The floral designers have made countless brides’ dreams come true by creating the perfect bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres. High schoolers have depended on Carter’s Flower Shop for prom. Each spring, juniors and seniors meticulously pick out their dresses for the big night. Their dates (possibly with the help of their moms) choose corsages to match the chosen gowns.
For lack of better words, Carter’s is a huge part of Farmville. 

In fact, the love for Carter’s Flower Shop extends well beyond Farmville. To be honest, it extends well beyond the state of Virginia. You won’t have to search far to see that Carolyn is highly respected and loved for her service and flower arrangements. She and her staff make their customers a priority, leaving a lasting impression for all. No stone is left unturned and every detail gets the attention it deserves. 

‘Job well done’ 

Visitors to Carter’s will quickly see that this isn’t your average flower shop. A perfect mix of old and new greets those who visit. The walls are wood paneled from days gone by, while the fresh flowers keep up with the newest trends. The arrangements are absolutely breathtaking, created by one of two designers on staff.  The flowers are always pristine and the gifts cannot be beat. “Our biggest sellers are really seasonal, as we are always designing new things and changing the older ones”, Carolyn said. 

Things have changed throughout the years, Carolyn said. She added that “the internet has transformed the industry, as it has with just about everything. Approximately 90-95% of our sales are online in some fashion. We still love to see folks when they stop by and see us!”

But now the doors are closing and it’s time to say goodbye. One recent Google review summed up the general consensus of Carter’s. “I live in New York, wanted to send a bouquet to someone in Jetersville, but was always disappointed in other florists. Enter Carolyn at Carters. What a godsend. She was pleasant, professional, helpful, and got the job done. The recipient (who turned 103 years) was over the moon with the pink and white roses. Carolyn, I extend my hand to you. Job well done”.

Editor’s note: Kristi Sellers wrote this story for the Farmville Herald.