Stop and sell the flowers: Gem City plant shop closing after 25 years

QUINCY (WGEM) - A Gem City flower shop is closing its doors after 25 years in business.

Many residents have memories of shopping for Mother’s Day or other special occasions at South End Plants. The shop is selling its final round of foliage before closing.

Owner Jeff Rakers, who built rapport with repeat customers over the years, said it’s going to be bittersweet.

“I thank them,” Rakers said. “It’s just going to be different.”

Rakers said there are a few factors at play behind his decision to close and sell.

“The facility is 40-something years old and needs a lot of repair,” Rakers said.

Rakers said the thousands of dollars in renovations would not be a worthy investment for that potential buyer.

“Every year, my business keeps getting a little smaller,” Rakers said. “Wal-Mart, Lowe’