George’s Flowers to close doors after 41 years in business | News

The Brief:

• George’s Flowers, a Madison staple, will close on May 10 after 41 years in business.

• The shop was opened in 1984 by George and Nia Choles and is currently run by their children, Denise George Schultz and Conn Choles.

• The decision to close follows the passing of the founders, George and Nia Choles, who were married for nearly 70 years.

MADISON, Wis. — A Madison staple announced it will be closing its doors May 10 after a decades-long run in business.

George’s Flowers, currently owned by siblings Denise George Schultz and Conn Choles, was opened in January of 1984.

“This has been the heart and soul of our adult life,” said Conn.

Since their parents George and Nia Choles opened the shop, the business has been rooted in family.

“My parents, they loved it,” said Denise. “They loved having us involved in it.”

Just like their mom and dad, Conn and Denise made a home of the flower shop. They took over operations from their parents years ago and Denise’s daughter Loran has been building bouquets essentially her entire life.

“George’s Flowers has been our home and our staff’s home for 41 years,” said Conn.

When George entered hospice care in the fall, his “home” was still in the store on S Park Street.

“We would take over a bucket of flowers each day and he’d process flowers at the hospital until two days before he turned 100,” said Denise.

George passed away just days after his 100th birthday. Nia died the evening of her husband’s funeral.

“They would be married 70 years this summer,” said Denise. “We just like to think that she’s with dad.”

That’s when Denise and Conn decided their parents’ life’s work, should go with them too.

“So for us, as far as the business,” Denise said, “it kind of took away some of the joy.”

They wanted people to remember the shop for the two that started it all.

“We didn’t want to sell our name or sell our business. That needed closure as our family,” said Denise.

So after 41 years of celebrating the special occasions of their customers, Denise and Conn felt it was time to give George and Nia their flowers.

“I think that’s our story,” said Conn.

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