PERU — The orchard business isn't much like the flower business. Nor is Peru, N.Y., much like New York City.
Both have been big adjustments for Shannon Rulfs.
Last September, the business run by her family, Rulfs Orchard, purchased Apple Blossom Florist, and she found herself facilitating the transition.
But with the contrasts have come opportunities.
"We don't have a plan in place, but we see the potential," Rulfs said.
For example, no one expects Rulfs Orchard to bring fresh-baked apple pies right to their front door. And people who have flowers delivered don't anticipate them coming with fresh-from-the-oven treats.
While combining services hasn't been finalized yet, customers may want to stay tuned.
"We brought some Rulfs products over to Apple Blossom to get into people's heads that the businesses are combining," Rulfs said of the longtime Peru landmark at 25 Pleasant St.
Jams, jellies, pickles, pancake and soup mixes, maple treats, gift baskets and fresh apples are now available there, ready to be purchased on the spot or shipped.
The best products of the original business are still available as well, including fresh flowers, silk arrangements, boxwood trees, decorative items and even furniture.
The furniture part was a bit of a surprise, as the former owners, Ed and Shirley Nelson, would go antiquing or to auctions and offer their discoveries for sale in the shop.
"There were some things you would think wouldn't sell here that would just fly out the door," Rulfs said of the furniture.
The transition occurred when the Nelsons, who opened the shop in 1980, were ready to retire. They saw a good fit with Rulfs Orchard and had been floating the idea for some time.
"Then, last spring, the real-estate agent contacted my dad," Rulfs said. "We started sitting down and meeting with the Nelsons, discussing where the business could go."
The employees at Apple Blossom agreed to stay on. A manager, Bonnie St. Cyr, was found, and a deal was finalized. The Nelsons and the employees have been invaluable as Rulfs and St. Cyr faced a steep learning curve.
"We just couldn't pass up the opportunity," Rulfs said.
For the future, consolidation is being given some thought.
"Ideally, we'd like to see one retail location encompassing both our businesses," Rulfs said.
After earning an accounting degree and starting a career in auditing in Albany and New York City, Rulfs decided she wanted to be closer to her family and returned to the North Country.
It's not that she didn't like New York, and in fact she describes it as perhaps the best two years of her life.
"I still go to visit the city, but I don't think I would live there now."
There was no younger generation to take over the business founded by her grandfather, and her bookkeeping skills were a valuable asset.
"I came back to the family business about four years ago," she said. "I never thought I was coming back. I just kind of tested it out and got caught up in it."
The florist business has been very different from the orchard, where she still splits her time. There are a lot of different parts, and less foot traffic. Many orders come in over the phone and from the Internet.
The biggest obstacle to the transition was that it came in September, Rulf's Orchard's busiest season.
"If the employees hadn't stayed, we couldn't have done this," Rulfs said.
The biggest challenge has been learning the business without putting added pressure on the staff.
"You have to really plan ahead for the next holiday," she said of the flower business.
There's no relaxing after Christmas with Valentine's Day coming up, and they're always thinking about things they can do in the future.
"It's a very different business," Rulfs said. "I really enjoy working with the employees that are here. They're amazing."
To contact Apple Blossom, call (518) 643-2108, or visit their website: www.appleblossomfloristinc.com.
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