Vermillion, SD – In a delightful burst of petals and fragrances, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Pied Piper Flower and Gifts took place this past Friday, October 6, marking the shop’s grand entrance into the charming town of Vermillion. Originally rooted in Yankton for a few years, the Pied Piper has now spread its blossoming presence to another location.
The proud owners, Becky and Jody Frye, purchased the business in August 2018. Their venture into Vermillion marks the third chapter of the Pied Piper’s growth, following their establishments, Hometown Floral and Gifts in Tyndall, SD, and Pied Piper in Yankton.
The decision to venture into Vermillion was a direct response to the requests of the town’s residents. Becky Frye shared, “We owned the store in Yankton, and we had a lot of Vermillion people coming over and saying we needed to open a location here because the town was lacking.”
On the momentous day of October 6, the shop witnessed a joyful inundation of customers who came to celebrate this new venture and explore the treasures within.
Jody Frye, reflecting on the journey that brought them to this point, revealed, “We’ve had customers from Vermillion traveling to Yankton, and we’ve delivered to Vermillion for many years. What changed it for us was when customers said, ‘Why don’t you just have a store in Vermillion?'”
The store’s name, “Pied Piper,” carries a rich history dating back over four decades, originating with its founders, Jim and Kathleen Piper. The Fryes were inspired to maintain this name, ensuring the continuity of its legacy. Becky Frye expressed their reasoning, “We just looked for something we would enjoy. So when we saw it for sale, we decided it would be a good fit.”
The Pied Piper business offers a wide array of delights, including fresh flowers, plants, and a diverse selection of gifts. Custom designs and delivery services are also part of their bouquet of offerings. Becky Frye emphasized, “We specialize in weddings and funeral work, but we do everything.”
The Fryes are pleased with the warm reception they have received from the city of Vermillion and are optimistic about the potential for growth. They credited the Vermillion Chamber for playing a significant role in facilitating their business endeavors, making the transition remarkably seamless.
Jody Frye shared that they had not initially expected the business to flourish as it has, but they are thoroughly enjoying the journey. “We didn’t expect it to grow as it has, but we’re enjoying it,” she expressed. “We just enjoy the customers, the community, and all the places we go to meet people. We just love what we are doing now. It kind of just keeps us going.”
The expansion of the Pied Piper Flower and Gifts into Vermillion marks a delightful addition to the town’s offerings and a testament to the thriving spirit of small businesses in the region. With fresh blooms and an array of gifts, the shop is set to flourish in its new home.
