Kaber Floral Company

LaPorte Indiana

Kaber Floral Company was founded in 1892 and is the oldest floral shop in LaPorte. According to Jenifer Swanson, the current owner, the shop has been relocated 5 times, and currently resides in a house.

"We bought the Kaber Floral Company in 1997 and in 2007 moved it to a house that had been a barbershop," explains Jenifer. 

One of the biggest benefits of being in this location is the warm, homey touches of  woodwork, hardwood floors and a chandelier over the cash register.  The clients love being able to picture how their bouquet will look in a real home. There is a screened-in porch that doubles as a display case for passers-by.

Of course, an old house is also a big challenge. It desperately needs new windows and a new kitchen floor. (Apparently spilling buckets of water on the floor every other week is a bad thing). The rooms are small and the wiring is old. And while the two upstairs bedrooms serve as cozy meeting rooms for Weddings and Funerals, some clients aren't keen on walking up a flight of old stairs. 

Space is a major problem during the holidays. There isn't room for expansion or the possibility of adding a refrigerated truck but the rest of the year, it's quite comfortable and economical.  

The best part for Jennifer?  "I love the old house and find so much comfort there, it just doesn't fell like going to 'work'."