Monday, May 5, 2014

Why Choose US?


A while back, I came up with the idea of telling you why you should choose Otto's Oasis for your plant, flower and gift/home décor needs. First thing that comes to mind on a personal level is because it is how we feed our family, along with our employees who are doing the same. Of course, it really goes way beyond that. If you know me well, you know I have a hard time "bragging" on myself or us. But, we do have amazing reasons for you to shop at Otto's! So, here we go…..

Greenhouse & Garden Center. All you have to do is look at the greenhouse guide that was recently published to see you have MANY to choose from. It must be a fun time to go from place to place and make a day of it with your friends and family. When it comes to Otto's Oasis, we put our heart, soul and life into everything we grow. Jean and the greenhouse staff work many, many hours nurturing our little plants until they grow into something extremely beautiful. Not to mention how clean and fresh they keep it looking. Our latest craze has been the fairy gardens. Jean absolutely loves teaching customers how to make their own in any combination and container you can put in front of her. And, of course, Jeff is around almost 24/7 working with them, with the landscape crew, and all the behind the scenes jobs.

We are open year round, so not only are you able to shop the spring and summer months, the winter months offer you our beautiful poinsettias as well (and, you can watch those grow in our greenhouse starting in July!).
 
Fresh Floral. Since buying the store in 2007, we have had amazing talent in our design room, both in Charles City and Mason City. Our designers love what they do, and it shows. I can tell you we will design just about anything your imagination can come up with! Weddings, funerals, prom, holidays and just because. We have competitive prices and give you quality flowers. With Mother's Day just around the corner, they will be working non-stop until we have met every order we are given, and they will have fun doing it!

Home Décor & Gifts. Keeping merchandise fresh and keeping it "specialty" is our goal. Sometimes you might see new things coming in and going out just as fast. That is because when I see other stores….chain stores… selling the exact things we have, it doesn't make it so "special" anymore. And, let's be honest, a little family owned business can't buy and sell at those prices. So, how do we make it worth stopping in? By offering you some things we hope you can't find just anywhere and by having a wonderful staff here to help with the ideas we can add and the special touches we give. Offering the personal touch.
 
Customer Service and the Extras. And, speaking of the personal touch…. We know without you, our customer, there will be no us. That is why Jeff and I stress to our staff that their service to you is above and beyond important. We hope that everyone is satisfied with their purchase, and we do our very best to please. We offer amazing rewards and savings with our loyalty program (Palm Points). And, on top of all this we host special events, sales and more!

Now, I want to ask you. Why do you choose us?
We want to hear from you. Send us an email, call us, post it on facebook, comment on the blog. Most importantly…Spread the word to your friends why YOU choose us! That is the best advertising EVER!  Is there something you would like to see that we don’t offer? We want to hear that too.

 
We are blessed to be in this community. So many people working together to make Charles City stronger and a destination place. We are thankful to be part of it!
 
Until next time!
Lori

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Spring is here!!!!


Spring has sprung….or that is what the calendar tells us anyway. After reading a weather post on Facebook saying April temps are supposed to be colder than normal….well, we aren't even going to discuss that! We do know it has begun in our warm greenhouse for sure. It is a perfect place to be if you need to get rid of the winter blues.

 


Spring always makes me think new and fresh, and with that in mind, why not start a blog?! I will tell you now, please be patient. I have tried this on a personal level, and I am not very consistent. But, that will be my 2014 goal. We want to bring you new information and share things with you for your learning and also….just for fun!

 

Lots of events coming!  Starting with Chickfest on April 5. SUCH a fun day shopping all over Charles City. Watch for more information on that through the newspapers, radio and our website. Then, there is prom, Spring Open House, Mother's Day and much more. We are very excited and staying very positive that this warm season coming up in Iowa will be just what everyone needs to forget the long…..LONG…..winter we have had.

 

So, go get a cup of coffee, tea or smoothie (We recommend Aroma's…so good!!) and head on in to see all the new spring merchandise for inside…and of course outside…your home. Sit at one of our awesome patio tables (yes, they are for sale!) and visit with a friend. You will be glad you did!

 

Until  next time…..THINK SPRING!

 

Lori