Address: 6 Clifford Street, York, YO1 9RD (now Angela Bare Footwear)
Description
Metal lettering on a stone façade spells ‘Wards the Florist’ above a doorway on Clifford Street.
History
Established in 1903, Wards the Florist was a family-run business with deep roots in York’s floral industry.
Originally founded by William Ward, a market gardener from Cliffe, near Selby, the business began as a shop selling fruit, vegetables, and flowers on Bishopthorpe Road.
The company expanded the business by opening a second shop on Clifford Street just before World War II.
1998 – The beginning of the ‘Wards the Florist’ sign is visible on the far right Source: Explore York Archive Asset ID: 1001606
The Clifford Street store shifted the business’s focus exclusively to flowers and gifts in 1973.
David Bough, the current managing partner and great-great-grandson of William Ward, joined the business in 1985.
Over the years, the company adapted to changes in consumer preferences, embracing digital marketing while maintaining its traditional bricks-and-mortar store.
2013 – The team celebrating their 110 year anniversary
As one of the founding members of Interflora in the UK, the company continues to thrive in the floral industry.
They serve customers locally and nationwide through its online platform, even after the closure of its physical store on Clifford Street.
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