Flower shop takes root in a new town

STERLING – After 45 sweet-smellin’ years, Behrens’ Blumen Stuff is changing owners, getting a new name and moving to a new location.

Starting Monday, Behrens’ Blumen Stuff will become Behrz-Bloomz, and will move from 1512 Prophetstown Road in Rock Falls to open in the former Ken Nelson Auto Mall at 2503 Locust St. in Sterling.

Stephanie Dusing, who has worked for Blumen Stuff for 17 years, is the new owner.

Jim and Kathy Behrens will remain as consultants and still will be part of the day-to-day operations.

“Other than a new location and a new name, nothing will change,” Jim said. “We will still be the same flower shop.”

“We are just slowing down,” Kathy said. “We have been doing this for 45 years, and hopefully, we have another 20 years ahead of us.”

As with Blumen Stuff, Behrz-Bloomz will specialize in fresh and silk flower arrangements for funerals, anniversaries, graduations and weddings, among other things. It also will deliver to hospitals, funeral homes and other businesses throughout the Sauk Valley.

“This is a passion for us, and we love what we do,” Dusing said. “Our customers are number one to us, and they come first.”

The flower shop caters to the needs of each customer, unlike other places in town, Kathy Behrens said.

“We know who our customers are when they come through the door. That is not something you get at a grocery store.”

Dusing is moving to large lot at the busy intersection at Lynn and Locust for more space and exposure, she said.

The spot she is leaving is a wee bit off the beaten path, just north of U.S. Route 30.

“We are tucked away back here right now,” she said. “We needed something with better exposure, because people forget we are here.”

MORE INFORMATION

Behrz-Bloomz opens Monday at its new location, 2503 Locust St. in Sterling.

The flower shop will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Delivery is available.

Find Behrz-Bloomz on Facebook, call 815-625-5166 or go to behrensblumenstuff.net for more information or to place an order.