Dunedin’s, and possibly the country’s, oldest florist has shut its doors — but not for good. Miss Reid Floral left its old shop in the Octagon on Christmas Eve and has moved to an office at 418 Princes St. However, it no longer has a shop front; customers have to make their orders online. ‘‘We’re moving our business from being a walk-in in the middle of town to be somewhere people will come and look at art and can buy stuff online or call us and we’ll deliver flowers,’’ owner Jacqui Margetts said. Miss Reid owner Jacqui Margetts (27) arranges a bunch of flowers at her new premises in Princes St. Photo: Gerard O’Brien Going online would mean Ms Margetts, the only full-time florist in the shop, could be more flexible with her time, rather than standing at a counter. She said the flower orders would be fresher as well. ‘‘Online means that the customers can get the freshest flowers because if we’re not buying in bulk … you make an order and we’re going to pick out those flowers especially for you and that will be the same morning. And so the flowers last longer. ‘‘There’s a flexibility to not being tied down and waiting for someone to walk in.’’ Ms Margetts said it was possible that Miss Reid might have a shop front again in the future. The Portobello-born florist took up the ownership of Miss Reid after a year working under the tutelage of previous owner Patsy Murphy. Miss Reid’s window in 1957. Photos: The Hocken Library Mrs Murphy wanted someone to carry on the business on and asked Ms Margetts to take ownership. Mrs Murphy was still helping out at Miss Reid and Ms Margetts said she hoped to continue serving the shop’s loyal customers. […]