Florist offers more than flowers for the Fourth

To say that John Dick has some blockbuster deals at Atwood Florists in Johnston would be an understatement.

“Business is blooming and booming,” Dick said Saturday amid a multi-colored display that marks an anniversary celebration of sorts at his family owned and operated business at 1041 Atwood Avenue in Johnston. “I never thought that flowers and fireworks would go hand-in-hand.”

That rather unique combination – which also made Dick the only florist in Rhode Island that has fireworks – started five years ago when an official from Phantom Fireworks of New Hampshire stopped by Atwood Florists and as if he’d put a tent in front of his flower shop to sell fireworks.

“I started to think that the extra money that would come in would be handy,” Dick explained. “Then, I thought about how much extra work it would be … that fireworks season would come on the heels of prom season.”

So, Dick decided to give it a go and put up a tent outside Atwood Florists just after the spring rush of not only proms, but graduations, weddings, parties and the holidays.

Now, he’s celebrating his rather unique fifth anniversary selling Phantom Fireworks and he’s found flowers and fireworks to be a nice fit for his business and the town.

After his first season, Dick decided to do away with the outdoor tent and moved the fireworks display inside the glass front of Atwood Florists that allowed him to multi-task while selling both products.

Moreover, it helps Dick cater to his many customers that range from students and kids with their parents to adults. This year, as he points out, Phantom Fireworks has all types of deals from buy one to get one free and up to 50 percent packages as well.

Add to that there are fewer tents around Rhode Island this year and that, Dick wanted it known, allows these Phantom Fireworks to be the lowest prices around and items range from snaps and sparklers to large fountains with a state maximum of 500 grams of gunpowder for a grand finale.

When asked why he decided to diversify his business, Dick replied: “To stay afloat in an economy that’s just starting to bounce back.”

He also noted that among the popular items are sparklers used for weddings and parties, whether they’re held on the beach or in the backyard, and they ranged in size from 12 to 36 inches. Dick even hands each customer a printed invitation to join the Phantom Fireworks Club that has a variety of promotions and coupons.

“On the backside you’ll find some 21 safety tips,” Dick said. “There’s everything from a statement that children should not handle fireworks to the weather and how people should wear safety glasses and only use fireworks outdoors.”

Dick issued an invitation to stop by Atwood Florist and see what is blooming sand booming, and he does so during expanded hours until the fourth that begins at 10 a.m. and wind up at 10 p.m.