Marlow Orchids is closing

[JScott]

Originally Posted by SouthPark

Definitely sad to hear about that. I just looked up the history ----- established in 1993. Judging from the great feedback from everybody here, they are obviously a very good orchid nursery company. Some great people involved.

They are one of the best. They're a small operation, so they don't have as broad of an inventory as some of the big guys, but they have a lot of cool stuff that is hard to find, and their customer service is surpassed by none. They are so friendly, they're always willing to help you if they can, and they honestly care about their customers. They even get to know their regular customers, as much as they can from afar. I've never met Jim or Jonathan, but they feel like friends because they know who I am and they know me by name even though I've only ever ordered from them online. I'm really going to miss them.

[Keysguy]

Originally Posted by JScott

They are one of the best. They're a small operation, so they don't have as broad of an inventory as some of the big guys, but they have a lot of cool stuff that is hard to find, and their customer service is surpassed by none. They are so friendly, they're always willing to help you if they can, and they honestly care about their customers. They even get to know their regular customers, as much as they can from afar. I've never met Jim or Jonathan, but they feel like friends because they know who I am and they know me by name even though I've only ever ordered from them online. I'm really going to miss them.

You haven't misread them. They are A1 stand-up guys! I just hope this decision was one they wanted to make now and wasn't one that they were forced to make now.

[Chris17]

Ive ordered from them several times and have gotten some really good plants. Their customer service is the best. Sorry to see them go.

[WaterWitchin]

Originally Posted by Keysguy

You haven't misread them. They are A1 stand-up guys! I just hope this decision was one they wanted to make now and wasn't one that they were forced to make now.

From the email Jonathan sent out, it did appear to be a decision based on business and revenue, not an Oh, I'm tired of selling orchids.

---------- Post added at 07:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:24 AM ----------

For those who didn't get the email, the text is below...

The time has come that we must say goodbye. It is with great sadness that we write this email to you today. Despite my best efforts, I have had to make the difficult decision to officially begin closing Marlow Orchids, LLC.

This decision has not come lightly and has by no means been easy for any of the partners, colleagues, or employees. With the inability to secure proper financing, coupled with the uncertainty of our times, I cannot justify the push to continue now any longer. While this is the beginning of the end, it by no means removes Jim's, Mike's, or my involvement with orchids. We will always love orchids and keep many plants in our personal collections.

We want to take the time to personally thank each and every one of you for your support, loyalty, and love over the years. It is you that we will miss the most: your smiles, laughs, and joy you bring to each of us and the world. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

What's next and what you need to know:

1. Our closure will be a phased-out approach with an ending date of the end of the year or the early part of 2021
2. We have lots of great plants available that we will continue to sell through our website and in house by appointment.
3. As the weeks move on, we will continue to add new products from the greenhouse as well as specials to the website for you to purchase. (i.e. - we have a lot of Paphs that we will begin to list starting next week)
4. If you have a Gift Certificate from us, please use them as soon as possible.
5. Starting October 1st, all sales will be final.
6. If you are interested in shopping in person, please give us a call so we can set up an appointment for you.

While this may be the end of this chapter, it is not the ending of the book. I am looking to the future with hope, optimism, and excitement.

Wishing you all good wishes and happiness.

Happy Growing!

Jonathan

[Keysguy]

So, when this thread came out the other day I immediately did a run-through of their website and found 3 plants from my "MUST HAVE" list that are not commonly found. Such has been my joy from Marlow orchids for many years. There has never been a show where I didn't find some hidden gem on their tables. And of course I pounced and they just arrived!

L-R; Aerides krabiense, Trichoglottis scaphigera and Gastrochilus patinatus. All are perfectly grown, as always. I am going to miss them.

[My Green Pets]

Amazing. All awesome nurseries. Will all their plants be sold? There are probably tens of thousands in their collective inventories.

Meanwhile, Chadwick's in Richmond just opened a second storefront. I wonder what the secret is? Better business practices?

[DirtyCoconuts]

i just got my box from marlow's… a tad bittersweet to think it is the last one and i really just found them

---------- Post added at 04:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:32 PM ----------

i have not opened it yet, still pretending to work...i just don't let anything sit in the sun with live plants

[Keysguy]

Originally Posted by My Green Pets

Amazing. All awesome nurseries. Will all their plants be sold? There are probably tens of thousands in their collective inventories.

Meanwhile, Chadwick's in Richmond just opened a second storefront. I wonder what the secret is? Better business practices?

Totally different business models I think. I believe Chadwick's model includes a significant chunk of income from "babysitting" personal collections in their greenhouses. Have never seen them at a show but then, I don't go to NJ.
Marlow, to the best of my knowledge, has always been a small walk-in whose business is really driven by the show circuit.

[WaterWitchin]

Originally Posted by Keysguy

Totally different business models I think. I believe Chadwick's model includes a significant chunk of income from "babysitting" personal collections in their greenhouses. Have never seen them at a show but then, I don't go to NJ.
Marlow, to the best of my knowledge, has always been a small walk-in whose business is really driven by the show circuit.

Exactamente, and very well stated KeysGuy.

[estación seca]

Very sobering the contemplate. Lots of people here operate small businesses and understand.

I've been watching their Web site since this thread started. I intended to order an Oeceoclades perrieri and Epidendrum oerstedii. I really like Madagascar orchids, and the Oeceos do very well here. The falcatum group of Epis mostly do well for me and I like their flowers.

Marlows lists new items almost every day, sometimes more than once a day. I missed Eurychile mariae the other day; I saw it when I was doing something else and couldn't order. Then the few plants were gone.

I went to look at the site today and found plants of both Eurychile mariae and citrina have been posted, under Prosthechea. I'm not going to try the citrina because it's too warm here, but I did order several other things. A number of Bulbophyllum have been added today, too.