Patch asked readers last week who their favorite florist in town is.
The votes are in, and the winner is: .
The business won with .
"It's tremendous to know that our floral shop is being recognized like that," said store manager Gerald Aparicio. He owed the response to the shop's special attention to its customers, creating customized, upscale arrangements that can be delivered to many areas of Long Island.
"We do favors for our loyal customers at no extra charge," he said of making out-of-the-way deliveries.
Glen Cove Florist got not only the most votes, but the most comments from readers.
"Glen Cove Florist is the best. Great customer service and every arrangement is beautiful. Also the store front decoration is outstanding and inviting," wrote reader .
Reader Laurie commented, "Love Glen Cove Florist, hard working people, always pleasant, beautiful arrangements! Nice window displays."
Owner Liliana Aparicio, Gerald's mother, bought the 35-year-old store 6 years ago and moved it to Forest Avenue from Glen Street due to the lack of a full-service florist in the new location's immediate area, she said.
The business brings customers to the Aparicio's to mark some of the most important times in their lives, and that is a fact that Liliana said she takes personally.
"I try to meet them where they are," she said, whether the occasion is a birth, wedding or funeral. "We try to communicate in a human way."
While she credited her success to customer service, a fresh product and extensive knowledge of the craft, Aparicio was careful to pay one particular debt of gratitude.
"I want you to include that I thank God," she said. "He has been very good to us and watched over us in these hard times."
