Bridie Griffith’s father Terry O`Connor opened in Newton Aycliffe in 1979 as an expansion to his Spennymoor shops. It was on Greenwell Road, called Aycliffe Aquatics & Pet Care.
Bridie worked there, but very soon this shop was not large enough to meet demand and the pet shop was moved into Beveridge Arcade beside the Leisure Centre.
The Greenwell Road premises were turned into a sunbed/tanning salon – one of the first in the area. Bridie was at both shops with her parents as well as at the Spennymoor sites.
By 1995 the Greenwell Road closed and Terry and his wife Gail were ready for semi-retirement. Bridie took over the Beveridge Arcade shop along with her husband Paul, changing the name to Petals & Pets, and building a solid reputation as florists.
Petals and Pets survived there for 20 years, struggling through tough times and a declining town centre trade which saw many shops close.
On Monday October 5th Bridie and Paul opened their new shop in the town`s Thames Centre no longer selling pets accessories. PETALS FLORIST is a bespoke flower and gift shop, and provides wedding and funeral services along with traditional flowers and arrangements
Petals also specialise in unique, contemporary modern arrangements as well as unusual and bespoke gifts.
One of their most popular services is their “Build a Bouquet” idea, where customers can literally design their own bouquet or arrangement by hand picking each flower and having them arranged and wrapped to their own choice.
Delivering locally, nationally and internationally, with same day deliveries Petals provides a comprehensive florist service.
For Bridie it was sad to close the doors of the Beveridge Arcade shop after working in there for 30 years, but she is delighted to be able to stay in the town where her regular customers have become friends. She is also happy to be in the Thames Centre with it`s wonderful community feel amongst the traders.
Bridie (right) with husband Paul and Assistant Donna Wilkinson
