Next up is Capital City Florists Gifts & Boutique . Owners Todd and Rita Koenecke originally opened in Webster, but moved the business to Pierre in 1991 when their son was born. “We’ve been successful because we move with the times and trends,” said Rita, who has been working in retail from a young age. Todd also worked early on in his uncle’s grocery store. Between the two of them, the couple has many years of experience. The Koeneckes say the store is a “one-stop shop.” In addition to being a full-service flower shop, the business carries plants, gourmet foods and candies, gourmet baskets, toiletries, home furnishings, cookware, kitchen accessories, women’s clothing, tuxedos, and children’s toys and accessories. Additionally, the stop is a Hallmark Gold Crown store. “People have told me I could sell snow to an Eskimo,” laughed Rita, admitting that she gets her love of retail from her father. The couple both attended Hixon’s Professional School of Floral Design , and have since been accruing years of expertise putting together floral arrangements, baskets, decorating trees and centerpieces, and servicing weddings. Over the years they have also won many different awards and honors for design, sales, tree decorating, and even best-fitting tuxedos. As the Koeneckes have evolved with the current market and local demand, there has never been a dull moment. “Every day you can be creative in a new area and use the knowledge you’ve obtained through the years,” shared the couple.
GO FOR GOLD
The Koeneckes won 1st Place in the 2007 Midwest of Cannon Falls Retail Display Contest for a Christmas tree. The national award came with $2,500, a diamond bracelet, and a crown.
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