A Story of Family & Tradition
Pugh's Flowers began in 1976 when Bill Pugh, then a VP of HR and a banker, decided to take a chance on the floral industry. While Bill pursued this new venture, his three sons—Tim, Michael, and Mark—were carving their own paths. Tim was a student at the University of Memphis, Michael was working at a Sporting Goods store, thinking about attending seminary or law school, and Mark was launching a landscaping business. None could have predicted that these separate journeys would soon intertwine to build a family legacy.
The first store was Julia's Flowers on Jackson Avenue. Bill quickly expanded his vision, acquiring Coughlin's Flowers on Quince Avenue, Parkway Village, and Flowers for Occasions in Whitehaven. In 1990, the four shops were united under one brand and one name: Pugh's Flowers. With a new identity came the foundation for growth in the Memphis community.
Ten years after stepping into the floral business, Bill was diagnosed with colon cancer. After his passing in 1988, Tim left college to help run the company. Michael joined as Chief Financial Officer, and Mark's landscaping venture became part of the brand as Pugh's Earthworks. Together, the three brothers purchased the company from their mother, Arminta, and Bill's business partner, Jim. Today, they still own and lead Pugh's Flowers together as a true family-owned and operated business.
The legacy continues with Tim's children, Grayson and Marlowe, who represent the third generation of Pugh's Flowers. Both began working in the shop as young teenagers. Grayson now oversees bookkeeping and serves as assistant manager, while Marlowe handles purchasing, marketing, and the company website. Though she initially pursued a degree in Criminal Justice, Marlowe found her true passion in the family business and embraces every moment, loving what she does.
For Pugh's Flowers, "family-owned" is more than a phrase; it's a way of life. Tim's mother, Arminta, faithfully served as the bookkeeper until 2024. Especially during peak seasons, many other relatives, including Caitlin, Ann, Christi, Stephanie, and Parker, join in to lend a hand. Whether family through blood or through heart, the entire team at Pugh's Flowers shares a deep desire to care for the community and give back wherever possible.
Today, with four thriving locations in Memphis, Midtown, Bartlett, and Southaven, MS, Pugh's Flowers continues to grow while staying true to its roots. The business has become a beloved staple in the community, known not just for its flowers but also for its iconic skunk logo—a symbol instantly recognized across Memphis.
