I'd like to echo the sentiment from another reviewer who observed that there are a lot of suspicious "1 star" critiques from people who have clearly never even been to this shop. Folks from hundreds or thousands of miles away are posting negative reviews based on what they saw from a TV show that, no doubt, was craftily edited to make for good ratings. Reviews from non-customers are not helpful to anyone and defeat the entire purpose of Yelp! As a consumer, it is frustrating, because "reviews" from random nobodies, who have very obviously never stepped foot in the store, are watering down the rating of this beloved business and do not accurately reflect the quality of this store's products or customer service.
I urge Yelp readers to take a close look at the reviews: Check the date on which the reviews were posted (the CNBC show aired 08/06/13), when the reviewer actually joined Yelp, whether he/she has posted other reviews, where the reviewer lives, and most of all, whether they have actual personal experience with this business or whether they are merely drawing uninformed conclusions based upon one episode of a TV show that makes its money off of creating drama.
I've been a loyal Jacob Maarse customer for nearly 15 years. I've been into the shop countless times and have purchased arrangements for occasions ranging from birthdays to retirements to "get well soon." I had Jacob Maarse create the flowers for my 150+ guest wedding, which included the church, a reception hall with over 15 dinner tables, the cocktail area, my bouquet, bridesmaids bouquets, mothers' and grandmothers' bouquets and flowers for the groom's and groomsmen's suits. Hank personally managed my order did a superb job. When placing our order, I just told him our wedding colors and let them have carte blanche with our arrangements so I wouldn't stifle the creative genius of their florists. Everything was absolutely perfect. The flowers were stunning. The arrangements were traditional and unique all at once. The florists at Jacob Maarse have a true eye for style, color, balance, and creativity. Each arrangement at our wedding was a work of art. Over 2 years later, guests still comment on the flowers as the most gorgeous they've ever seen.
Service is always friendly and delightful. The staff and management make you feel like family. Deliveries have always arrived as scheduled. I've received nothing but rave reviews and praise for the flowers that I've had delivered to my friends and family from Jacob Maarse. The florists at Jacob Maarse are artists. If you are looking for a cheap and typical arrangement, then go to your grocery store or FTD. If you want a visually stunning floral masterpiece, thoughtfully designed and created with unique, fresh flowers (many of which come from Jacob's own garden), then go to Jacob Maarse.
The store does, indeed, have a bit of merchandise, but that's the fun of it! Jacob Maarse isn't supposed to be like CVS where you can bee-line to Aisle 18 to buy your shampoo and conditioner. This is the kind of store in which you can enjoy your time there and meander to find unique and delightful treasures from around the globe. With that said, everything is organized well and easy to find. If you want cards and giftwrap, there's a section for that. If you want candles, there's an area for that, too. This is a great shop for finding a gift for that person who has everything.
Jacob Maarse Florists has been a landmark of Pasadena. Jacob, himself, touched the lives of so many. He was the type of person that was beloved by all who met him and made you wish that he was your own grandfather. The quality of this shop's work is unparalleled, and that hasn't changed since his passing. I hope that this business is here to stay for a long, long time. I don't know what I, or Southern California, would do without it. read more