For Moorestown Garden Center Owner, 'Essential' Means More

MOORESTOWN, NJ — When Gov. Phil Murphy called on non-essential businesses to shut down temporarily to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, Rich Flagg thought Flagg’s Garden Center was going to be included in that group.

“It was a great relief,” Flagg said of the business his parents started in the 1950s being deemed essential. He would soon see just how essential his business was to Moorestown.

Garden centers in New Jersey were deemed essential because they help farmers maintain their industry growing crops and feeding the public. In Moorestown, Flagg’s Garden Center means a little more.

“People said they need us for their peace of mind,” Flagg said. “It’s a place where people go to enjoy themselves.”

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The garden center at 4320 Bridgeboro Road was able to build on its loyal customer base with a lot of first-time gardeners. During the pandemic, people are finding themselves at home more, and finding there’s a lot of home improvements they can do. Flagg said he appreciates all customers, and he and his staff are working to provide good advice to new gardeners.

His staff includes his daughters and granddaughter, marking the third generation of his family to work in the shop. The shop sells trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, seasonal items and landscaping. There has been no drop-off, but the pandemic has offered some challenges, Flagg said.

Although business is good, the pandemic has offered its challenges. While he didn’t have to lay off any of his employees, some decided not to come back on their own. They’ve limited their hours to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. And, of course, there’s the social distancing, wearing of masks, and heavy sanitizing every business has done during the pandemic.

Their annual fall festival was canceled, and modifications were made to the Christmas Open House that was held over the weekend.

The weather will turn cold soon, and everyone is bracing for a slowdown in business. Flagg’s gets a boost from seasonal sales, and the recent warm weather has provided a boost in business. No matter what the next few months brings, Flagg is grateful for the business he’s seen during the pandemic.

“We appreciate our customers’ loyalty and their business,” Flagg said.

See more stories about New Jersey's coronavirus recovery.