STL A La Mode

This is truly sad, when the City loses yet another well established business. While they are not moving out of the City, it still speaks volumes that they will maintain their county store while closing their City store, much as Schaffer's Hobby Shop, which was once on Virginia at Meramec, did years ago.

The location Botanicals is leaving, across from Towergrove Park, near the intersections of Grand and Arsenal, is a prime location, and I am sure a new tenant will quickly fill that space, if one has not already signed a lease. But at this crucial point in St. Louis' business development, we need to attract new stores, restaraunts and services to the City, not merely replace one with another.

There are a great many business districts that could benefit from a revitalization that Grand has enjoyed these past few years, one such area is Downtown Dutchtown on Meramec between Grand and Compton. This would be a perfect location for some of the Grand-style restaraunts and stores--book stores, wine bars, etc. Hopefully, new commercial tenants to the City will look outside of the usual suspects like Grand, the CWE, and Soulard, and will explore the untapped goldmines within some of our other communities.

Maybe it just says St. Louisans have different taste than "Chesterfieldians". Botanicals didn't sell things I wanted.

Well, the business seemed to thrive there for many years, operating a bustling (and quite unique!) floral side, too. I've done plenty of shopping there over the years, and I think some of their décor items fit in quite nicely for certain homes/tastes in the surrounding neighborhoods.

I went into the store once and was visually offended. Never went back. This might be a new opportunity for some other business to relocate to Grand & Arsenal.

My understanding was that all locations were closing not just the one on Grand.

My wife use to like the store, but disappointed on recent trips, since they changed the layout, and product mix.

She was also disappointed with flowers she ordered and got from there recently.

Apparently opening two (three?) stores in the county distracted them from what they did well here on Grand.

News of Botanicals:

It is true, Botanicals on the Park is closing after 18+ years of business in St.Louis. However, long time emloyees Keith McDonnell and Dean Riebeling are starting a new company, Botanicals Design Studio, LLC. The focus will be flowers, flowers and more flowers! With the emphasis back in the floral industry, look for more creative, innovative designs for events, parties, weddings and every day occasions. We look forward to serving the St. Louis community for many, many years to come.

There is NOTHING better than a flower arrangement designed by Dean Riebeling. Check out their new place -- I can't wait!