Gainan's Midtown Flowers New Location

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WELCOME TO GAINAN’S MIDTOWN FLOWERS

congratulations gainan’s midtown flowers!

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Gainan’s Midtown Flowers

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MIDTOWN EVOLUTION

feelings into flowers. Together we’ve celebrated births, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and mourned with our customers seeking sympathy tributes. All of those things combined make this more than just a retail store to us, and hopefully for you too.”

Mick, Lynnette, Kristi & Jim Gainan, owners Fall 2017 brought a curious opportunity to Gainan’s Flowers. Its lease with Big Sky Floral was coming to an end providing chance to make a change. In the Fall of 2017, Jim Gainan, President, was in the City Brew drive-thru at 17th and Grand when he saw the words “Gainan’s Midtown Flowers” on the vacant anchor store of West Park Promenade. Excitedly, Jim got his coffee and promptly drove across the street. Staring at the front of the building and seeing the synergy of the promenade, all the while knowing that the florist industry is focusing its locations on rooftops instead of

skyscrapers, Jim began a frantic text.

“How does Gainan’s Midtown Flowers sound to you?” he wrote to his dad, mom and sister explaining where he was sitting envisioning the future. Shortly afterwards, leases were signed, design work approved and construction began to build a retail shopping experience that merged the Downtown store and the West store into one location.

Humbly and with some trepidation, the Mick Gainan family used their years of experience in the business to set out to create a knock-your-socks off retail experience for Billings.

Rapidly, Gainan’s Midtown Flowers took shape and opened for which Jim coined a “first look” on March 19th.

With determination and full support from a talented group of employees, this astronomic task was launched.

“It’s crucial to us that everyone know that we brought every memory from every location we have ever been in,” says Jim Gainan. “We’re in the business and we understand fully its importance. We are eternally grateful for the trust that our customers, who we call friends, have put in us over the past 67 years. Our business is to turn their

“Whether it be a gift item, décor piece or floral design, we are a gift store. We hear time after time from customers who express the feeling they have when a distinctly painted Gainan’s van pulls into their driveway,” says Gainan. “In addition to up-to-the-minute design and excellent quality, the most important act of that delivery is to convey a message. It has been proven time and again, through major collegiate studies, that flowers have a very positive effect on mood. They create communication between people; they create a fresh scent; they change and grow. They impact your mood every time you smell and see them. Flowers are happy. Flowers say what words can’t, whether it’s to congratulate or console.

We are so fortunate and thank our community of customers beyond measure for allowing us the opportunity to partner with them in all seasons of their lives.”

It was of utmost importance to Jim that

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the new retail design included these key elements: a private wedding design studio, a private condolence suite, a women’s luxury restroom and a central checkout area where your purchases can be gift-wrapped in the finest paper and ribbon, and always at no charge.

“And November through February, we’re always Wrapped in Red.” With years of experience, it was clear from the very beginning what the aesthetic and product mix of the new store needed to be. “Incredible competition makes you smarter,” Jim Gainan smiles. The design team poured over many ideas, many concepts and theories about what would make best use of this space. The result was a very current and easily adaptable retail space currently organized into nine departments which Gainan refers to as “Stories”. Eventually, it could be four or it could be twelve. Gainan knows that the Stories must be able to be change and change quickly to thrive in this very fast paced environment. “If something is trending, we need to have it!”

THE GAINAN’S MIDTOWN STORIES The development of the stories was a very fun and challenging part of organizing their new store. We can change a story overnight to create a different shopping environment and we intend to do this. You will not see the same products in the same place every time you come into Gainan’s.

The experience begins when you get out of your car and you walk toward the main entrance of Gainan’s Midtown Flowers . . . you begin to hear music that sets the tone for an amazing shopping experience.

Our first addition is the refreshment area known as CONVENE. At this station, customers will enjoy Wedgewood Tea, espresso, coffee, and fresh flavored water. It’s our hope that this area become the water cooler of the neighborhood.

Congratulations Gainan’s on the opening of your new facility!

Thank you for 67 years of service to the community.

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Hilltop & Main 896-4800

Shiloh & Grand 655-3900

Downtown 655-2400

14th & Grand Worden 371-8100 967-3612

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of permanent Christmas trees in the winter. New trees with new features have been ordered for the debut of this department this Christmas.

The first experience is GREEN. It’s an urban chic design focusing on trending plants which are fast becoming the number one gifts to give. You are greeted by varieties of plants that you may have never seen. You are then able to visit the area that displays beautiful and affordable European pottery and create your own masterpiece combining plants and potteries. Growing plants will be used throughout the store.

The next story is called SEASONS. This changing area will boast the best in outdoor living from Spring to Fall including a large selection of Polywood outdoor furniture.

SEASONS will feature a wide variety

A couple of steps beyond SEASONS, is the entry to GOURMET + TABLETOP. We are leaving some room and have development plans in the future to expand the gourmet offerings.

Our tabletops will feature items like dinnerware designed by Ellen DeGeneres and Gordon Ramsay by Royal Doulton.

Swing by our expanding area of teas and cups called Wanderlust by Wedgewood.

Take a couple more steps and the centerpiece of the north wall of the store is a replica of the displays found

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in the Waterford Crystal Showroom in New York City. It’s meant to express Waterford’s desire to be a product used regularly in everyday living. Imagine a pool table with a Waterford bowl full of pretzels or Waterford displayed on your shelf among books and treasured photos. It’s not meant to be locked up in a cabinet with display lights on it. Looking at it is only half of the experience. You have to touch it and use it to get the full experience. There’s a price point in Waterford for everyone.

arrangements and custom bouquets.

Just beyond is MOD. It’s an ode to the mid-century era that is currently trending so heavily in décor and interior design.

Perfect accent pieces, furniture and colors to add a little mid-century style to any home. Watch for theme changes in this story regularly. Get ready for PRAIRIE CHIC and CONTRAST!

FLOWER DISPLAY COOLER Swing by the Northwest corner of the store, and you’ll find FLOWERS. We found the best permanent botanicals and we’ve lowered the prices. Put something together yourself or have one of our talented designers lend a hand or design it for you. A special treat in this area are two large windows that allow customers to see into the artistry of the fresh design department as the designers create beautiful

The jewel of the store, the flower display cooler, is where it all began.

Brand new, this LED-lit with perfect temperature-controlled display ensures easy access to the most fresh flower arrangements in town. Ready-to-go bouquets are available on a daily basis.

FLOWER BAR Just to the south is our popular Flower Bar loaded with fresh stems and

Congratulations gainan’s Midtown Flowers on your new loCation!

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bunches at very competitive prices for you to combine different varieties and create your own design.

Oh, Baby. We have begun an evolution of enduring, heirloom, couture and gifts for little bundles of joy. Watch out! You might buy these gifts to give away, but even if there’s not a baby in your near future, you may struggle to actually give them away. This story features enduring heirloom couture and gifts for children 12 months and younger.

Enter LUXE, everything beautiful about women and for women. Scarves,

Congratulations to Gainans on the grand opening of the new Midtown Flowers facility!

Together, we are building Billings.

Since 1951, we have been helping clients reach their financial goals and we are the oldest serving brokerage firm in Billings. We are invested in our community — the same as you.

RBC Wealth Management 404 North 31 Street, Suite 300 Billings, MT 59101 Phone: (406) 252-6306 www.us.rbcwealthmanagement.com/billings Non-deposit investment products: • Not FDIC insured • Not bank guaranteed • May lose value © 2018 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.

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handbags, fragrances, & jewelry! Every gift you’ve ever wanted to keep! This area has proven itself to be quite a hit already. It is truly an area to treat yourself and other special women in your life.

“And I’d like to wrap up our tour with this…Gainan’s is YOURS! We’re just taking care of it for a while,” Jim Gainan reflects. “Gainan’s and all of its memories are YOURS. No Flower and No Memory was left behind.”

With Gainan’s Midtown Flowers opening in March and Gainan’s Heights Flowers & Garden, they now have two brick and mortar locations in Billings. Gainan’s also reaches far beyond Billings with gainans.com growing double digits for a decade. People who have left the Billings area continue to trust Gainan’s with their flower orders to those who still reside in Billings and the surrounding area.

Welcome to the Promenade Gainans Midtown Flowers We are so happy you’re here!

From your friends at Blackbird Beauty Bar Anja Berube Owner, Master Aesthetician

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Rachel Clark Master Stylist

Nicole Dirks Color Spacialist

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Mallory Hughes Aesthetician Waxing Extraordinaire

FLOWER POWER The phrase “flower power” coined in the mid-sixties tends to conjure up an “imaged power” and images of VW buses, daisies and lava lamps.

In recent years, many studies have been conducted that have proven that “Flower Power” really does exist. The types and colors of the flowers that you choose to plant in your garden can say more about you and do more good for others than you probably think.

Rutgers University behavioral studies have proven that flowers provide a simple way to improve emotional health -- that the presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed.

that not only do flowers make us happier than we know, they have strong positive effects on our emotional well-being.”

THE RUTGERS STUDY REVEALED THAT: • F lowers have an immediate impact on happiness. All study participants expressed “true” or “excited” smiles upon receiving flowers, demonstrating extraordinary delight and gratitude.

• F lowers have a long-term positive effect on moods. Specifically, study participants reported feeling less depressed, anxious and agitated after receiving flowers, and demonstrated a higher sense of enjoyment and life satisfaction.

Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at Rutgers and lead researcher on the study states, “Common sense tells us that flowers make us happy,” and “Now, science shows

International color expert and author Leatrice Eiseman believes that the color of the flower and design combinations can evoke strong emotional response.

The artful use of color is more essential

Congratulations

to our consciousness than we realize.

Eiseman believes that certain color combinations -- easily expressed in gardening and floral arrangements -- can stimulate and relax the senses, release happy memories and enhance our moods.

EISEMAN HAS DEVELOPED FIVE EMOTIONAL COLOR PALETTES: •N urturing: A true sense of caring is created by a combination of colors that are fragile, soft and tender.

Arrangements in pastel shades and the softest yellows, peaches, warm pinks, creamy whites and subtle greens make us feel safe, snug and loved.

•S ensuous: The rich, luxurious color combinations of the sensuous palette set the mood for sophisticated, passionate and even seductive settings.

Robust reds and purples, hot pinks and spicy oranges are at the soul of this dynamic floral feeling.

• Tranquil: Serenity and relaxation are the essence of this color scheme.

Its peaceful palette, reminiscent of sky and sea, is dominated by clear, lights shades of green, misty blues and other cool hues.

• W himsical: Fun-loving, freespirited, playful feelings are conveyed by the whimsical palette, which is characterized by bold, contrasting colors.

So whatever your reason to garden -remember that your emotions will benefit -- and so will all who admire your work.

To read the entire academic study

by Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at Rutgers go to http://human-nature.com/ ep/articles/ep03104132.html.

Gainan’s Midtown Flowers!

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WEDDING TRENDS

We will see a lot of purple this year, specifically, ultra violet which is the Pantone color of the year. Colors for bouquets will range from bold and bright to monochromatic. The monochromatic style, which focuses on one color tone, is a beautiful look. Other popular color combinations to look forward to are apricot orange with butter yellow, bright mixes of colors, soft pinks, and mauve/burgundy color tones. Mauve is perfect for a woodsy theme.

Some of the trending themes are woodsy, romantic, lush and wild. The woodsy theme is a little different twist on the popular rustic look with the addition of more branches, wood accents and a variety of greenery. The foraged look for bridal bouquets is very on trend and lends itself to a variety of flower choices. This style is a full bouquet with a variety of greens to give it a fresh picked feel. Unusual greens such as parvafolia eucalyptus, lambs ear, sage are the accents that make the focal flowers pop. Another popular option for bridal bouquets is

using single large flowers such as king protea or calla lilies. Other flowers that will be on trend this year are dahlias, babies’ breath, garden roses, peonies.

Dahlias are making a big comeback because of their wide color range. They are grown from May through October which makes easily accessible during the prime wedding months. Other flowers that were once considered “old fashioned” are also making a comeback.

Flowers like mums and carnations add texture to a bouquet. All styles lend themselves to every personality and can be great for any time of year.

Many brides are beginning to seek out wearable flowers. The floral crown has been popular for a few years and its popularity will continue. We are now seeing this concept expanding into other items such as rings, cuffs and necklaces.

Using flowers as jewelry can be a stunning addition to a bride’s wedding attire.

Wreaths, floral rings, or hoops are an interesting trend that is very versatile.

Some brides are replacing the traditional bridal bouquet with floral hoops. Floral hoops can be made out of various materials such as curly willow. With the addition of flowers and ribbon they can be a unique and beautiful alternative.

Rings are also being used in décor.

Typically, they can be suspended from the ceiling or hanging on the back of the chairs. Like the hanging wreaths, other hanging floral designs are a very beautiful addition to any ceremony or reception. Floral swings are also trending. Another decorative piece that will make a statement is a living wall. This can be made out of flowers, plants or combination of both. Many are using these walls as a photo backdrop.

They are also used to add color behind the cake table, head table, etc.

Succulents will be used in many ways.

In a bridal bouquet, they are a great way to add texture and they can really tie into almost any style or theme. A succulent boutonniere with eucalyptus and hypericum berries looks fabulous on

the groom’s lapel. Using green plants and succulents for décor is another popular idea. They look great as an addition to any tablescape or can be set at each place setting and given to each guest as a gift.

The new Gainan’s Midtown Flowers location has a private wedding consultation room, where they will meet with you and go over style and color options to make the wedding of your dreams come to life. Gainan’s Midtown Flowers accommodates all budgets from do-ityourself with fresh flower stems to overthe-top custom wedding arrangements.

Call or stop in anytime to arrange a free wedding consultation.

Small business, big impact.

U.S. Bank supports the small businesses and business development programs that build and sustain our community. We value the role small businesses play in providing jobs, contributing to local charities, and shaping the identity of our community. Local businesses are proof that with vision and determination, we can create our own possibilities. usbank.com/communitypossible U.S. Bank is proud to support Gainan’s Midtown Flowers.

U.S. Bank - Billings • 303 North Broadway Billings, MT 59101 • 406.657.8069 ©2017 U.S. Bank. Member FDIC. 171120c 8.17

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New Gainan’s Wedding Design Studio - Gainan’s Midtown

Congratulations on your new location.

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Congratulations Thank you for allowing Pyramid to be a part of your project!!

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THE STORY “Grant Gainan is pleased to announce the opening, Saturday noon until 9 pm, of Gainan’s Floral,” reads the nearly full-page notice in the Billings Gazette on April 28, 1951. It goes on to say, “Presenting a most unique display of unusual flowers, plants, centerpieces, corsages, floral supplies and tropical fish.” And so it began.

Our story actually begins with Betty and Grant Gainan. Betty moved to Billings at 18 when her father, a sugar beet harvester, was relocated to Billings.

Betty was working towards a degree in education at Eastern Montana State Normal School. Her mother didn’t know how to drive and found a local grocer who delivered. “I still remember the day when I answered our door and saw Grant standing there with our groceries. He was a very handsome man.” (Yellowstone Valley Women Jan/Feb 2002 issue) Betty used to join Grant on his delivery rounds and they would talk for hours. The couple was married August 11, 1939.

After getting married, Grant surprised Betty and changed occupations to become a city firefighter. This dramatic change was unsettling to Betty. She remembered watching Grant going into the Northern Hotel to fight a fire, not knowing if he would make it out safely. Grant did get out safely and later became the city’s first Fire Marshall.

In the meantime, the Gainans had started a family. Grant’s entrepreneurial spirit was restless and once again, Grant came home and announced he was quitting his job and they were going to

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First location - 2nd Ave. No. & 30th

First Gainan’s ad in the Billings Gazette from April 28, 1951

open a flower shop. “But I don’t know a petunia from a geranium,” bemoaned Betty. Grant had worked at a local flower shop as a young man and enjoyed planting flowers and trees. And so, on April 28, 1951, Gainan’s Floral opened its doors at 2nd & N 30th downtown.

The Heights Garden Center was established in 1983 at 810 Bench Blvd with the purchase of the McLaughlin Gardens. Over the next 17 years, this site expanded from two greenhouses to twelve greenhouses plus four cold frames on three acres.

Business steadily increased and in 1955, Gainan’s moved to a larger location 501 N 30th. Trying to save money, Grant, Betty and their three children, Chuck, Kathy and Mick, rented out their home and moved into the tworoom apartment attached to their new store. Running the store quickly became a family affair with the children helping sweep the floor, wash the flower buckets and clean flowers. Betty, often with her kids riding along, could also be seen zipping around town in their delivery van, “The Panic Wagon.”

Grant Gainan was a visionary, and years before had looked out the window of his downtown Billings store at the old homes and rentals across the street. He told his family that one day a Gainan’s Floral would stand in that spot.

Over the next 35 years, the store was renovated and expanded nine times. When Grant passed away in 1978, his two sons, Chuck and Mick, ran the store side-by-side with Betty. By 1980, their floral business has blossomed to 46 employees.

THE GROWTH OF A DREAM In the 1980s, the West End and the Heights were rapidly growing areas. To serve West End customers, Gainan’s Flowers West opened in 1980. This rented space was in the Rimrock Convenience Center – next to the theater on 24th & Central.

“Here We Grow Again” was on the marquis in 1986 when Gainan’s Square opened on 24th St West.

In 1986, at the request of the Billings Public School System, Gainans’ agreed to sell its downtown building. The building site was turned into a parking lot for their administration building. In 1988, the new 35,000 sq ft downtown store was unveiled, right on the site where Grant had predicted it would be. The new flagship store, designed in a French country motif, honors the history of the downtown area.

Wise beyond his years, Grant separated the retail “Gainan’s Flowers” from property that would be under the name Big Sky Floral, which became the holding company for all Gainan property. They purchased the warehouse of the old Archie Cochrane Ford service department for supply and inventory storage, which later became the Good Earth Market.

1996 Gainan’s Floral entered into the age of the Internet with the launch of www.gainans.com. This fourth “location” was limited in its commercial capabilities and in 1999 a new 40page website was unveiled featuring

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gardening information, customer surveys, job openings, a collectible corner, holiday pages and virtual tours of the Gainan’s physical locations. Always striving to bring hometown service to the Internet, 2005 brought more userfriendly renovations to www.gainans. com, including increased product offerings via the Internet for customers.

FOCUS ON THE CUSTOMERS AND THE COMMUNITY Focusing on customer service is always a high priority at Gainan’s – and that in itself is its own reward. Gainan’s received the Nations Leader T. O. M. A. (Top of Mind Awareness) for results of 72% consumer awareness of the “Gainan’s” name. This was the highest rating across the nation in all industry categories and remains so today. In 1996, Gainan’s Floral was named Montana’s Family Business of the Year for commitment to family, customers and community by MSU-Bozeman College of Business. Also, Gainan’s ranked as high as top 10 of Teleflora’s worldwide membership for outgoing wires originating from its store. In 1997, the annual Christmas catalog was mailed to 40,000 people in 6 countries and 47 states. 1999 saw the launch of Gainan’s Business-to-Business commercial sales initiative. Supporting the community is a commitment passed down through each generation of Gainan’s. Gainan’s has supported events that benefit children, education, women and the elderly. The family board meets weekly to discuss donation requests.

Planning the succession of a family business can be complicated. The third generation pursued and completed higher education while the Gainan family worked for over ten years to plan the transfer of the family’s business to the third generation including a four-year cross training program.

Betty was quoted in the January/ February 2002 issue of Yellowstone Valley Woman magazine praising her family, “I’m just so proud of my family, I could just burst. I’m so grateful that they all like what Grant and I did. They are doing a great job with our business.”

Regrettably, she passed away in 2004.

In 2001, Gainan’s Flowers celebrated their 50th Anniversary in style, offering many of their products for prices from 1951, as well as other festivities all year long.

FOCUS ON THE FUTURE

The Gainans are quick to give credit for the success of the company to the talented staff. Currently employment reaches 150 in peak season and nearly 100 in off season and the annual payroll tops $2 million. Gainan’s Flowers offers some of the highest benefits in retail in Billings.

Grant & Betty Gainan

FOCUS ON THE FAMILY

1951

Moved to 501 N 30th St.

Company founded by Grant and Betty 1955 Gainan at 201 N 30th St. Store renovated/ expanded nine times over the next 35 years; business grows to 46 employees by 1980.

1980

On payday, Betty Gainan, “G’ma G” as she was affectionately known to all, still came into the store to sign the checks, the payroll and write a personal note to each employee until her health no longer allowed her that pleasure.

Heights Garden Center established at 810 Bench Boulevard with purchase of McLaughlin Gardens; over next 17 years, expanded the site from two greenhouses to twelve greenhouses plus four 1986 cold frames on 8 acres.

To serve West End customer, 1982 opened Gainan’s Flowers West in rented space in Rimrock Convenience Center (now the Wynnsong Cinema).

Opening of 14,200 square foot Gainan’s Square on 24th Street West; home to Gainan’s Flowers West and four retail tenants.

Opening of 35,000 sq. ft. Gainan’s Downtown, across the street from original store, features French country motif; incorporates finial from old Commercial Hotel (atop new building), hotel’s wrought iron railing (in south atrium entry), sandstone cornerstones from the home demolished on building site, and limestone panels from historic 1992 First Bank facade (on greenhouse floor).

1988

Purchase of 21,000 square foot downtown warehouse for supply/ inventory storage (old Archie 1996 Cochrane Ford Service Department)

Heights Garden Center completely remodeled; 4-acre parcel purchased to hold new 35,000 square foot production/ growing greenhouse.

1995

Lynnette, began an important role throughout the company in marketing and visual display. His son, Jim Gainan, MBA, is President of the organization, with Kristi GainanSparboe as Vice President. The two sides of the family continue to equally own Big Sky Floral Supply LLC, which owns all the land and buildings.

In the meantime, the fourth generation of Gainans was all growing older. Deciding that the possibility of multi-city growth in Montana was too risky and possibly irresponsible, it was time to execute a transition plan that the family started in 1991. In May 2010, the family started the process of getting the business valued. Chuck’s side of the family offered their stock for sale to Mick’s side. On December 1, 2010, the ownership of Gainan’s Flower and Garden Center was purchased by Mick and Lynnette Gainan.

After the purchase of the retail operations, the entities were merged to create Gainan’s Floral Inc. Mick Gainan serves as its CEO. His wife,

Launch of annual Christmas catalog mailed to 40,000 people in 47 states and 6 countries.

Launch of www.gainans. com, the “store 1997 without walls” with limited commerce capabilities; 40-page Web site features on-line credit card ordering, a reminder service, gardening information, customer surveys, job openings, a collectible corner, holiday pages, and virtual tours of Gainan’s physical locations. For commitment to family, customers, and community, named Montana’s Family Business of the Year by MSU-Bozeman College of Business.

1999

Launch of Gainan’s Business to Business commercial sales initiative

Fiftieth anniversary celebration; roll-out of thirdgeneration management team; employment reaches 150 in peak season, 100 in off season; sales pass $6.5 million.

2001

2005

In keeping with Grant Gainan’s spirit of entrepreneurship, in August 2017, the Gainan family announced that the Downtown and West locations would merge into a convenient new mid-town location. Mick Gainan said, “In a changing retail world, we have spent months researching and pouring over options for Gainan’s Flowers to continue our same level of service to Billings and the surrounding area, while adapting to change.”

Gainan’s Midtown Flowers opened on March 19, 2018. “It’s the same Gainan’s you’ve grown to love and more with an exciting new look!” Jim Gainan reassures. “No flower…or memory left behind!”

Voted Retail Florist of the Year by WF&FSA (Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association) and Florists’ 2010 Review Magazine

Warehouse leased to Good Earth Market a local food co-op wanting to expand their services.

Website redone with more product offerings.

2008

60th Anniversary Celebration; unveiling of newvans; Jim Gainan along with the family announced the plan for the future including Mick, Lynnette, Jim and Kristen purchasing all shares of Gainan’s stock.

Purchase of Gainan’s Flowers & Garden Center

by Mick and Lynnette Gainan, Jim Gainan and Kristen Gainan Sparboe

2011

2017

Merger of Gainan’s Downtown and Gainan’s Square West to a new store – Gainan’s Midtown Flowers Opens

Gainan’s makes insightful 2018 and visionary decision that it’s founder would have made and announced the merger of its Downtown andWest stores and renamed it Gainan’s Midtown Flowers to reinforce its location at 17th & Grand

GAINAN’S MIDTOWN FLOWERS • GAINAN’S HEIGHTS FLOWER & GARDEN • GAINANS.COM • 245-6434

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FULL SERVICE FLOWER & GIFT SHOP

SEASONAL OUTDOOR PLANTING SPECIALISTS What started out as a seasonal greenhouse growing plants for spring and holidays for ourselves, has grown to be “Gainan’s Heights Flowers and Garden” and has developed into a “open all seasons”, year around experience for plant enthusiasts.

The indoor foliage selection includes everything from Aglaonema to Zamioculcas zamiifolia and everything between. Plants are resourced from all over the country including Florida, California, Hawaii, Colorado, Utah and Washington.

and benches filled with everything from pastel to primary colors of annuals from mid-April thru June.

We are easy to find and access at the corner of Hilltop and Bench Blvd with plenty of parking.

Starting in mid-April through mid-July, our nursery will be filled with thousands of perennials, trees, shrubs, roses and ground-covers to dress up some of those special spaces at your home or businesses.

We offer everything from a great seed selection to finished plants that are ready to go and grow. We are glad to assist you in plant selection that will perform in almost any areas. We can plant your own containers at the Garden Center and deliver them or we can send a crew out to plant your containers on site.

Our favorite statement is, “No matter the weather, it’s ALWAYS sunny and 60”. . .inside.

Our emphasis is on green and blooming plants, indoor and outdoor accents pieces and to be your best resource for the freshest of flowers and designs. We are a full service flower shop 24/seven and can assist with any of life’s events to bring beauty and sincerity to the occasion.

Bring in a picture and ground measurements and we will help you with a plant selection that you will enjoy for many seasons.

Our 10,000 geraniums and 2000 hanging baskets are grown right here in our 32,000 square feet of greenhouses sitting on 3.5 acres. It’s pretty impressive to walk in under a canopy of color on display

We continue every year to find and secure the newest of the new in annuals, vegetables and herbs.

From indoor Gainan’s Gardens to outdoor container gardens we can do just about anything.

Our experienced staff can help make those choices for indoor or outdoor applications.

Congratulation Gainan’s Midtown Flowers

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S GAINAN’S MIDTOWN FLOWERS

Miriam Avery Insurance Agency Inc. Employee Benefits Solutions

Miriam Avery, CSFS

Good Luck and Best Wishes to Gainan’s Midtown Flowers

President/Consultant

1690 Rimrock Rd, Suite H

ph: 406-969-2802

mavery@maveryinsurance.com 14 GAINAN’S MIDTOWN FLOWERS

With offices in: BILLINGS • BISMARCK • BOZEMAN • BUTTE • HELENA KALISPELL • MISSOULA • WILLISTON • CASPER • CHEYENNE • SHERIDAN

• GAINAN’S HEIGHTS FLOWER & GARDEN • GAINANS.COM • 245-6434

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GROW! GARDEN PREPARATION FOR SPRING What a wild couple of weeks. Sleet, rain, snow, ice and sun…Ah yes, spring in Montana. Living in 'Zone 4', as defined by the USDA, has its challenges, but because of the weather extremes we have the fortune to truly experience each season to its fullness. Can you imagine fall without the bright foliage caused from a quick drop in temperature or the beauty of fresh snow on evergreens?

Of course, with change there is always that "transition time" which can be awkward and not so pretty. I think back to my school picture in seventh grade where my two front teeth are showing but, my lips were closed! Yes, they stuck almost straight out. In fact, without the decade of orthodontia that I lived through, I would probably not be employable. Just like the straight teeth that eventually

came, so too will the green leaves and spring blossoms, just in time.

I've heard so many people talk about how long this winter has been. During the long cold spells I fully realized the important role that evergreen trees play in an overall landscape.

I have a bad memory of removing overgrown junipers at a house I lived in and haven't planted a single one since. Something I saw as completely valueless, I now view as very important.

The garden is full of life lessons.

The most-asked question of garden center owners across the country this time of year is "When can I plant?" The standard answer for our area is, "The average last frost date for our area is May 15th,” but let's get real. Most of us can't possibly wait that long. Once the time 'springs forward' and we have that little extra light in the evening — spring mode kicks in and takes over.

The trick is planning in the right order. The best thing to do first is prep work. Gardening is like painting your house. The end result has more to do with the preparation than it does with what color is used.

START BY:

•M ake sure all trimmers, mowers, shovels, and rakes are in working order — sharpened and tuned up for the year •C utting back the dead stems of perennials •R emoving debris and old leaves from beds •A mend the soil by adding compost to garden areas •A dd a thin layer of fresh bark over what was there last year just to freshen the look •G et a really clean edge on all of your beds and install rubber, metal, or fiber edging •C lean debris from rain gutters •E dge lawn around sidewalks, flower beds and driveways •A pply lawn spring weed control and fertilizer Now I can see why planting a few geraniums is more fun. This is just a partial list of what could be done to make this year the best gardening year ever. If you get everything prepared for the year and you still have some energy left, plant some pansies. They should really be called 'toughies' because I've seen them survive after being covered under 6 inches of wet spring snow.

The pansy is perfect for all gardeners who are itching to get outside and plant something now. Don't let its delicate features and charming face fool you; pansies are tough little plants and can be planted early in the spring long before other flowers. They can tolerate low temperatures, but be prepared to cover them if temps fall below 20-25°F. Being a cool crop, pansies prefer a partially-shaded area with cool, moist, well-drained soil. The more spent flowers you remove, the more flowers you will have.

In the yard, pansies work well in shady patio planters, window boxes, borders and beds. They have a light fragrance that is more apparent in the early morning and dusk when the air temperature cools. Yellow and blue varieties seem to be more aromatic than other varieties.

A container garden of pansies with some curly willow or cherry blossom branches at the front door is a great way to get your hands dirty and reward yourself for all of the 'prep' work you've done this week. This will be the perfect band-aid until we can get into some serious gardening!

Welcome to the neighBorhooD! Bring us your gainans receipt for 50% off a Drink ValiD through 5/1/18

1939 Grand ave (406) 245-5253 GAINAN’S MIDTOWN FLOWERS • GAINAN’S HEIGHTS FLOWER & GARDEN • GAINANS.COM • 245-6434

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