Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Rubin.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Robin’s Nest, as it was called back then, opened August 1985. An outdoor floral kiosk on Boylston Street in the Back Bay was established by my brother, Michael Winkler, where we sold seasonal plants and “beautiful fresh-cut flowers”.
The kiosk was located diagonally across from the Lenox Hotel were the finish line for The Boston Marathon is. In those days the hustle and bustle of the city was amazing! The cross section of Bostonians and visitors from around the world was as abundant as the flowers we sold on the street corner. It was invigorating and beautiful…
Soon after opening on Boylston and Exeter streets the owners of the Darth Vader Building asked my brother Michael if he would be interested in opening a second location in the financial district. Soon after a brief illness and my brothers passing Robin’s Nest closed its doors and months later Robin’s Flower Shop opened in the same location. I owe the success of RFS to many people.
First and foremost to my brother, Michael, for whom without his guidance and acumen of the floral industry my love of flowers would not have grown. In addition, without the continued support from The Ruben Company (owners at One Devonshire) Robin’s Flower Shop wouldn’t have had its continuous success.
Lastly, Robin’s Flower Shop’s loyal customer base and corporate support make it all possible!!!! With much gratitude and love in my heart for this business and for those who have supported me through three decades, I am certain Robin’s Flower Shop will continue to grow and thrive
Has it been a smooth road?
As with any long term business there are peaks and valleys. During the rolling 80’s and downturn of the economy as well as the changing landscape of the financial center…. People come and go… Nonetheless, RFS has managed to withstand certain storms and emerge stronger and better.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Robin’s Flower Shop story. Tell us more about the business.
RFS initially was a cash and carry bucket shop. Specializing in fresh-cut flowers and plants. RFS has evolved into a full service flower shop. Because of our location we have many corporate accounts and also provide florals for corporate events. We do weddings and other life cycle events as well. RFS prides itself with providing beautiful fresh cut flowers at affordable prices. No longer are flowers a luxury item but a must have addition to any office or home without the exorbitant costs as with other flower shops in the area.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
With the Boston Flower Exchange closing its Albany Street location and now residing in Chelsea as The New England Flower Exchange our travel time is a bit longer. However, with Quinlan Wasserman Wholesaler staying in the Albany Street neighborhood our task at providing Boston with the most beautiful flowers has remained hassle free.
Pricing:
- Bouquets $15 and up
- Floral arrangements $35 and up
- Floor Plants upon request
- Seasonal plants $10 and up
- Daisy Chrysanthemums $5
Contact Info:
- Address: Robin’s Flower Shop
One Devonshire Place
Boston, MA 02109
617-523-4433 - Website: robinsflowershop.com
- Phone: 617-523-4433
- Email: robin17fsc@gmail.com
- Instagram: Robin’s Flower Shop
- Facebook: Robin’s Flower Shop
- Yelp: Robin’s Flower Shop
Image Credit:
Photos by Robin
