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HOLLIDAYSBURG -- A longtime Hollidaysburg business is now under new ownership.
The Kerr family, which owns Kerr Landscaping Inc. & Kerr's Floral, Gifts & Boutique of Altoona, has completed the purchase of Warner's Florist Gifts Greenhouses, 179 S. Montgomery St.
"Warner's has been a staple in Blair County, and it also allows us to expand our business," said Richard Kerr, company president, adding that the Kerr family is excited to be taking over the longtime family business.
"It will remain Warner's for the immediate future, but will eventually be called Kerr's," said Chelsea Kerr Veneskey, operations manager.
Warner's opened for business in 1950.
"My parents, Eugene and Ester Warner, bought it from a cousin, Elizabeth Metzger," Garry Warner said. "I came back to the business in 1975, became partner in the late 1970s and full owner in 1990."
Warner, at 75, said it was time to sell the business.
"I have been here 48 years," he said. "The time was up; it was getting too rough. There is a labor shortage. You can't find enough floral designers and greenhouse employees; we've been short-handed."
Ten of Warner's 11 full- and part-time employees will be retained by Kerr's.
"We are glad to have 10 of Warner's employees staying on board with us," said Shelly Kerr, co-owner.
Kerr's will continue selling everything Warner's was known for and will be adding their specialty gifts and boutique, Veneskey said.
"I'm excited to see new possibilities," said Jeff Moist, floral shop manager.
As a 42-year employee of Warner's, supplies manager Sue Rossman said she's glad the business will continue and grow.
"I'm glad to see it's not ending and that someone recognizes the contribution that Warner's has made to Blair County and wants to continue," she said.
Greenhouse manager Dave Yingling agreed.
"I'm excited to continue providing beautiful plants and new products for the community," he said. "The community is why we are here," Yingling said.
Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.