Eitel’s and Co. closing after more than a century

Tuesday, February 18, 2020
In business since 1908 and at its current South Vine Street location since 1946, Eitel’s and Co. Florist closed its doors last Friday, with only a business liquidation sale remaining on Feb. 26 and 27.
Courtesy photo

After more than 111 years as a staple in the downtown Greencastle business community, Eitel’s and Co. Florist is closing its doors.

Owner Jenny Sullivan made the announcement in a letter addressed to “our loyal Eitel’s customers and the Greencastle community” on Tuesday.

“Due to declining business as well as personal health issues, it is with great sadness that I must announce that, effective immediately, Eitel’s & Co. is closing its Greencastle store, and regrettably, ending a century long legacy,” Sullivan wrote.

The last regular day of business was actually last Friday on Valentine’s Day, though the floral and gift shop, located at 17 S. Vine St., Greencastle, will reopen on Wednesday, Feb. 26 and Thursday, Feb 27 for a business liquidation sale.

Sullivan explained in more detail the twofold reasons to close the business at this time.

“I know this announcement may come as a surprise to many of you, but like many small businesses, the nature of the floral business has been evolving for many years and we, unfortunately, could no longer personally sustain the resulting declining business revenue,” she wrote. “In addition, as very few are aware, early last year I was diagnosed with a chronic pain and autoimmune disease, which has significantly impacted my ability to oversee the business as was previously the case.

“It is with these considerations in mind that we made this difficult decision, as I could no longer continue to physically or financially support this business as was required.”

Eitel’s opened in 1908 as Growers in Greenhouses on Melrose Avenue on the city’s north side

John Eitel and Florist opened in 1913 and conducted businesses at several courthouse square sites before moving to the current Vine Street location in 1946.

Ken Eitel was the fourth and last generation of the Eitel family to own the business that bore their name. He and wife Jackie ran the business from 1980 until selling to Jenny and Kent Sullivan in 2011.

“Since 2011, Jenny and Kent have operated our family’s business with dedication and honor,” Eitel said. “Jackie and I are grateful for the the Sullivans and the people who have been part of our family’s journey — employees, customers and our Putnam County community over four generations.”

In discussing her own love of flowers, Sullivan also praised Ken Eitel’s tutelage.

“My personal love of flowers began as a child with my grandmother, but my passion for flowers began under the mentorship of Eitel’s former owner, Ken Eitel with whom I worked for seven years prior to purchasing the business,” Sullivan said. “I am so very thankful for his friendship and for investing his time in nurturing me as a small business owner.”

In her time as an Eitel’s employee and owner, Sullivan said she has enjoyed the special moments in people’s lives she’s had the pleasure of sharing.

“We have enjoyed the privilege of ‘delivering smiles’ and beautiful flowers all across Putnam County and beyond,” Sullivan said, including helping brides with their flower selections, overseeing floral selections for countless DePauw students and alumni events, helping with anniversary and birthday gifts, as well as creating table centerpiences for many holidays.

“To all those that have frequented our floral shop and have attended one of our Christmas workshops, please know how very much we enjoyed serving and pampering you,” she said.

Besides the happy times, Sullivan also expressed her gratitude at being part of final tributes to loved ones as part of funeral and memorial services.

“Thank you also to the downtown business community, Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce — all have made me a stronger business owner and leader, but even more importantly, a stronger advocate for our community,” Sullivan said. “I have treasured wreathing downtown Greencastle at Christmas, collaborating with other business leaders/owners, serving our community at the Taste of Putnam County, providing flower arrangements to Dancing with the Putnam County Stars, the Annual Putnam County Hospital Gala and Queen Contest, assisting with numerous ribbon cuttings for new businesses and many other events.”

She also went out of her way to thank the “amazingly creative, professional and talented” employees who have worked for Eitel’s over the years.

“We are so proud of the beautiful floral designs and personal customer service they’ve provided to all our customers and have so much love and respect for everything they have done on behalf of Eitel’s & Co,” Sullivan said.

“We especially would like to thank our assistant manager, Sandy McCloud, who has been a loyal, dedicated and dependable employee of Eitel’s for over 40 years,” Sullivan said. “Sandy is a very gifted and talented designer, a wonderful mentor and has always done much more than was asked of her. We are especially appreciative of her leadership efforts to help support the business and, on a personal note, I will treasure the bond we’ve had all these years and will miss seeing her every day.”

Sullivan noted that it was fitting for Valentine’s Day to be the last official day of business for the longtime flower shop.

“While Valentine’s Day is a day to recognize those you love, it is also the perfect day for the Eitel’s chapter to close and for you all to know how very much we love and cherish you and our Greencastle community,” Sullivan said. “You will forever hold a special place in our hearts.”

The business liquidation sale will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. next Wednesday and Thursday, with the entire inventory on sale.

In the meantime, Sullivan may feel a bit of sadness looking back, but is thankful for the years of support and looking forward to a new chapter of life.

“I have truly cherished every moment of my time at Eitel’s & Co. Florist,” Sullivan said. “Again, thank you for all the wonderful years of business and for all of your generous support. It’s always hard not to look back, but I am now focused on the future and am very excited to refocus my efforts and spend much more time as a Mammaw to my three devoted and loving grandchildren.”

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  • Sad. Crickets and Eitels both closing.

    -- Posted by kbmom on Tue, Feb 18, 2020, at 9:58 PM
  • Jenny, You and your business will be greatly missed. Always such beautiful flowers. Enjoy your retirement with your grandchildren and take care of your health.

    -- Posted by pjr1974 on Wed, Feb 19, 2020, at 7:26 AM
  • Jenny, Thank you, Sandy, and the rest of the staff. It has been so comforting to know you were there for our every need. You will be missed by this entire community and beyond. Good Luck on your future endeavors.

    -- Posted by BITTLES & HURT on Wed, Feb 19, 2020, at 8:33 AM
  • you will be sorely missed- thanks for being a vital part of our community!

    -- Posted by small town fan on Wed, Feb 19, 2020, at 10:05 AM
  • So sorry to hear this. I wasn't a frequent customer (mostly because of a limited budget), but you did help me out with a flower arrangement after the death of my 10-month-old great-nephew, and for that I thank you! Enjoy your retirement!

    -- Posted by Pam Posthauer on Wed, Feb 19, 2020, at 12:38 PM
  • This is a bittersweet moment for you and your family! We wish you the best in health and family. Thank you for serving our town and taking care of us. Eitel's will be greatly missed especially at Christmas time! Enjoy retirement!

    -- Posted by Keywest on Wed, Feb 19, 2020, at 1:17 PM
  • Thank you for the most beautiful bouquet for my father.

    -- Posted by Beth Watson on Wed, Feb 19, 2020, at 8:55 PM
  • It seems we’ve lost Mama Nunz as well. Getting harder to do business with someone who isn’t a national chain franchise these days.

    -- Posted by techphcy on Fri, Feb 21, 2020, at 2:37 PM
  • techphcy - don't forget the Double Decker

    -- Posted by Workingthesoil on Fri, Feb 21, 2020, at 5:06 PM
  • Consumers make choices. No entity forces the individual consumer to decide where to take their dollar. The consumer makes that choice.

    Let us all be honest in that. No franchise is at fault. A business has customers for many reasons. No franchise forces the consumer inside their door. The consumer makes that choice.

    Of course, it is not right to blame ourselves!!!

    -- Posted by beg on Fri, Feb 21, 2020, at 11:54 PM
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