Flowers are a wonderful gift, a decoration for interiors, and a symbol of love and respect. Toronto residents began buying them in 1877, when the first flower shop opened. It was founded by Stephen Tidy, a British immigrant. Gardening was his passion, and it grew into a thriving family business within a few years. For decades, Toronto has been home to a network of these flower shops, now managed by Tidy’s descendants. Read more on toronto.name.
How Toronto’s First Flower Shop Began: The Story of Stephen Tidy
In the 19th century, flowers first appeared for sale on the streets of Toronto, coinciding with the arrival of immigrants from various countries. Among them was Stephen Tidy, a professional gardener. In 1873, he moved from Britain to Canada. Initially, he built a greenhouse to care for flowers, and later, he decided to open Toronto’s first flower shop.
Stephen continually expanded his selection of flowers, arranged displays, and advertised the shop. He was assisted by his two sons, William and Charles, who worked tirelessly to grow the family business. Even during challenging times, such as war and the Great Depression, the Tidy family remained dedicated to their craft and determined to succeed.
In 1890, the family opened a second flower shop, reinvesting part of their earnings. They began selling not only flowers but also houseplants. The shop’s bright sign and transparent windows showcasing a wide variety of flora attracted passersby, many of whom became customers. Tidy’s Flowers quickly became a cherished destination for buying flowers, offering both joy and excellent customer service. Soon, the stores gained popularity across Toronto.
Establishing the Tidy’s Flowers Network
A new chapter for the Tidy family’s flower business began in 1950 when Stephen Tidy’s son, Bill, took over after his father’s passing. The shop’s window retained its distinctive decoration—a caged monkey alongside vibrant floral displays. Bill’s mother assisted with administrative tasks, answering calls and handling bookkeeping.
Determined to attract more visitors to the stores, Bill took part in several high-profile projects as part of a florist team. For instance, he contributed to floral designs for the Canadian National Exhibition and the Royal Winter Fair. One of his most notable projects was the unveiling of the Princess Margaret Fountain in Toronto, where florists used a thousand flowers to create an arrangement resembling cascading water.
In 1971, Bill partnered with entrepreneur Nick Lai, a close relative, to open a flower shop in the newly established Sherway Gardens Shopping Centre in Toronto. Together, they studied floral design techniques, care strategies, and marketing approaches to refine the business.
Nick Lai soon joined the family business, bringing innovative ideas that significantly boosted profits and customer numbers. He revolutionized Toronto’s flower business by introducing a flower delivery system and establishing a warehouse facility spanning 8,000 square metres. From then on, all operations—from design and packaging to accounting—were centralized under one roof. Flowers were delivered from the warehouse to shops across the city.
In 1997, Nick Lai’s children, Janet Lai and Jim Lai, took over the business, continuing its legacy. They opened another flower shop in downtown Toronto, offering premium services for VIP clients. This location featured an extensive selection of flowers and custom floral arrangements, catering to an exclusive clientele.
Through decades of hard work and innovation, Tidy’s Flowers became one of Toronto’s largest flower shop networks, a testament to the dedication and creativity of its founders and their descendants.