Maureen Wallenfang
Post Crescent
Published 1:14 PM EST Feb 24, 2020
A longtime floral shop in downtown Appleton will close at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Charles the Florist is shutting at 219 E. College Ave. as its owner, Susan Soczka, moves on to a different phase of her life.
“My children have grown, I have sold my home and started a new beginning with my fiancé. This was the plan,” she said.
Unfortunately another part of the plan – to sell the business to one of her key employees – didn’t work out.
“I am hoping this will help let my customers and the community know that we are grateful and thankful, but the time has come,” she told The Buzz.
Charles the Florist has been a part of the downtown business picture since since 1954, and moved to its current location in 1974. It was known for original arrangements and high-quality blooms.
Founder Charles Hoffmann operated the business for 48 years. He retired in 2002 and died in 2006.
When he retired in 2002, Hoffmann sold the business to Janet Schmidt. Soczka, the third owner, purchased it in 2007.
Soczka is holding a clearance sale this week, and will prepare the building for sale through the first week of March.
Contact reporter Maureen Wallenfang at 920-993-7116 or mwallenfang@postcrescent.com. Follow her on Twitter at @wallenfang.
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