Lunds and Byerly’s note: Bachman’s, a local, family-owned company, has been our valued partner since 1968, when our very first Byerly’s store opened in Golden Valley.
In 1968, Bachman’s set forth on a path that was to revolutionize the floral industry – marketing cut flowers via Bachman’s European Flower Markets. Ralph Bachman and Don Byerly, Sr. partnered to open the first European Flower Market at Byerly’s in Golden Valley on April 1968. The kiosk occupied a 500 square-foot area and sold inexpensive cut flowers and plants.
Paul Bachman can remember working in the Golden Valley store that opening day. “I was in the backroom breaking down rose bunches of 25 and rolling them in cellophane as dozens and half dozens. They were selling as fast as I could roll them.”
Ralph and Don Byerly, Sr. were standing out in the store witnessing the enthusiasm of the customers, and making plans for the future. The relationship blossomed and Bachman’s was soon in all the Byerly’s locations and select Lunds stores.
In 1989, Bachman’s shifted focus to address a newly saturated market by closing the European Flower Markets Division. A newly branded “Flowers by Bachman’s” rolled out into the former European Flower Market locations within all Byerly’s grocery stores. Bachman’s recognized the strong potential of the Flowers by Bachman’s retail concept, so in 2008, Bachman’s began a new venture with Lunds and Byerly’s to operate the floral departments in all Lunds stores, complementing our existing partnership in all Byerly’s stores.
Today, we’re very pleased that Bachman’s offers a beautiful selection of fresh cut flowers, plants, bouquets and more in every Lunds and Byerly’s store throughout the Twin Cities and St. Cloud.
Susan Bachman West, executive director of perishable operations