June the Florist – one of Southport’s longest established and much loved family businesses – is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Founded in 1925 by Bessie Eaton, June the Florist is still going from strength to strength today. Bessie was one of the town’s true entrepreneurs who was a hard working and highly talented businesswoman who started from very humble beginnings. Through sheer determination she created one of the most well known retailers in Southport, located on the iconic boulevard Lord Street.
Bessie was passionate about Southport and became a Councillor and through her drive and dedication was appointed Mayoress of the town a position she held with great pride and passion, her commitment to the town knew no bounds
The business was named after her daughter June, who had trained in London under the renowned florist Constance Spry. Once fully qualified, June returned to Southport to work alongside her mother, adding a stylish and skilled touch to the already talented team of florists at the Lord Street shop.
When World War Two broke out, June volunteered and joined the WAAF (Women’s Auxiliary Air Force) proudly serving her country until the end of the war where she returned to the family business.
Both Bessie and June were heavily involved with the famous Southport Flower Show, where they served on the Committee for many years and achieved the title ‘Best In Show’ ultimately winning the Trophy outright!
Bessie was also a founding member of the Interflora network, which is now an Internationally recognised flower delivery service.
In the late 1950’s as the business continued to grow Bessie’s son Jack joined the family business along with his wife Margaret and this led to the expansion of the well established shop at 108 Lord street in the late 1960’s.
Around this time, Jack invited June’s daughter Cora to join the family business and Cora quickly became a very naturally talented florist and was a tremendous asset the the growth of June the Florist where she later helped to establish the Birkdale branch and then eventually opened and managed the Formby branch for many years.
In 1976 Bessie’s grandson, Peter also joined the business and at that time they only had the Lord street shop and he very quickly realised the need for further retail outlets in the surrounding area of Southport.
With the help and support of his wife Elizabeth they, over a period of a few years opened a further ten shops and also opened the country’s first ever Balloon Shop……’June’s Balloons’.
After 100 years of trading Peter and Elizabeth have stated: “We owe a huge debt to all the dedicated and talented employees that have worked alongside us over many years as a family business and also to the wonderful people of Southport and its surrounding areas for their continued support and loyalty…….. We are truly grateful.
“It has been a privilege to serve you!”
Peter and Elizabeth Eaton and their team are inviting everyone to join them for the Centenary celebration at the Lord Street shop on Saturday 7th June 2025 between 2pm until 5pm, for refreshments and a glass or two! All are very welcome.
Peter and Elizabeth said: “We have played such a part in so many people’s lives over many years it would be wonderful if you could bring any photographs of events we have contributed to over the years with you so we can share them with others, we would really love everyone to be part of our history together.
“We look forward to welcoming you on our very special Centenary at 108 Lord Street Southport.”
- For more details about June the Florist please visit: June The Florist Southport – June The Florist Website
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
