shopping
showcase magazine | dining & shopping 2012
blitz & company florist—historic floral design chosen as the best artisan florist in the south sound
Marilyn Blitz began her floral business 25 years ago as Tacoma City Center Florist.
Blitz also includes a gift shop where the savvy shopper can find one-of-a-kind items for the home and for life’s special occasions.
In 1996 Steve Barbazette came to the floral shop, by then known as Blitz and Company, after a move from Washington, D.C., to be near family. Five years later, he bought the business from Blitz.
Blitz and Company has a long history of providing unmatched Northwest design expertise and devotion to customers, bringing the best service and design to the community. For your special occasion, or to make an ordinary day extraordinary, visit blitzflorist.com. LEAH GROUT
Barbazette says he was born in the back of a flower truck. He started his career in the floral business right out of high school. He was impressed back then at how many people send flowers. After 20 years, he had learned all facets of running the shop, from design to delivery. “The owner liked me so I was able to learn a lot,” he says.
photos by amanda howse
Nowadays Barbazette engages in only a bit of design composition, to break up the work day. He credits the talented designers on his staff for their spectacular creations: “Our staff has great tenure, with Kim and Carrie both having been here 20-plus years.” He says this translates into design consistency, creativity and the ability to stay up with current trends.
909 Pacific Ave, Tacoma 253.572.2327 blitzflorist.com
Weddings are a specialty for Blitz, which offers brides a level of expertise that is unmatched in the bridal industry, says Barbazette. “We love to create a unique style for our brides.” Serenity Weddings and Alderbrook Inn are just two of its regular wedding consulting clients. Blitz is one of only a few local full-service florists that offer delivery worldwide. “Our success has been built on the fact that we can create a design and send it out the same day,” Barbazette says. “We are conscientious in meeting and exceeding the client’s needs.”
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