(Nick Ulanowski/H-F Chronicle)
Eighner’s Florist, a flower shop that also sells antiques, décor and gifts in downtown Homewood, changed hands on July 1. Previous owners Stan Eighner and Marge Eighner sold it to their niece Joann Sticha and her husband Bill Sticha.
The business’s name will stay the same, but the new owners said they plan on making some changes. They’ll phase out the antique and consignment side of the business to focus more on selling gifts and décor.
a funeral. (Nick Ulanowski/H-F Chronicle)
“I feel like antiques move slow, and I want something that moves faster,” Joann said. “I’ve got a couple of people that make soy candles, and I want to sell windchimes.”
Joann may change some stock. She’s likely to add more teapots because customers have responded well to the teapot selection currently in the store. The store might expand its selection of artificial flowers, she added.
Eighner’s Florist recently joined the Homewood Business Association. The new owners said they plan to participate more in Homewood’s business community.
Before owning Eighner’s Florist, Joann worked at Jewel-Osco for about 20 years. She’s worked at Eighner’s Florist “on and off for almost my entire life,” she said.
Bill helped the previous owners with deliveries on busy days such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. He came out of retirement to co-own Eighner’s Florist.
“I’ve been retired for a little over a year. And my honey-do list was shrinking. This gives me something to look forward to,” Bill said. “I want to come in and grow the business and serve the Homewood community and give back to the community.”
The couple and their 28-year-old daughter, Samantha Sticha, live in Homewood. Joann said she hopes her daughter can someday take over the flower shop and continue the legacy of this family-owned business.
“We’re trying to think long term. I want to have this flower shop for many years to come,” Joann said.
For now, Samantha is an Eighner’s Florist employee tasked with expanding its social media presence.
“We’ll revamp the Facebook (page) and create an Instagram (account). We might even do a TikTok (post),” Samantha said.
Eighner’s Florist makes easel pieces and flower displays for weddings, memorials and other events. Staff does custom bouquets and pre-made bouquets are available.
“I’d say we have at least 40 different kinds of flowers in stock,” said Pattie Alm, bouquet and easel designer. “[Flowers are] brought in from all different countries – from your everyday to your non-traditional and tropical.”
“We have deliveries from the floral market every single day,” Joann said.
Flowers can be bought in person at the store, ordered by phone at 708-798-0533 or with an online order at eighnersflorist.com.
Eighner’s Florist is at 17928 Dixie Highway. The business is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. It’s closed on Sunday.
