Downey flower shop relocates after 50-plus years at same location

Teri Head owns and operates A Unique Florist, which recently moved to its new location at 8130 2nd St. Photo by Eric Pierce

After more than 50 years, a Downey flower shop has moved from its long established location. 

A Unique Florist had served its community from its location on Lakewood Boulevard since around 1965, when it took over a space formerly occupied by Minnie Pearl Fried Chicken restaurant. 

Current owner Teri Head began at the shop when she worked there as a teenager in 1972, when the shop was known as Artistic Florals. She briefly left for employment in banking but returned in 1988 to work during the holidays after becoming a stay-at-home mom.

Head was give the shop in 2000 when the original owner passed away, under the sole condition of renaming the shop.

A Unique Florist's window display. Photo by Eric Pierce

The property's former location on Lakewood Boulevard saw a change of ownership a few years ago, when the original property owner passed away and his children inherited it. 

“The one owner came in about two years ago and introduced himself and [said] how he loved having a flower shop; that it’s always good to have a quaint little home business,” said Head.

However, he also seemed to notice something that may have caused a shift in direction.

“Then he saw the old restaurant vent over my work station,” said Head. “I don’t think he even realized it had been anything other than a flower shop…it’s been almost 52 years.”

Now, Head says that her new property owners have voiced desire to put in a food establishment and needed her and her shop to move out.  

She has since relocated the shop to a new location at 8130 2nd St. in downtown Downey. 

Head says that she believes that her previous location will be occupied by a coffee shop, however, the Downey Patriot was unable to confirm this information.