RICHLAND, Wash. – Arlene’s Flowers & Gifts, a longstanding and once controversial business in Richland, announced the shop is permanently closing its doors soon.
Arlene’s made national headlines in 2013 when the previous owner, citing her Southern Baptist beliefs, refused to provide flowers for a same-sex wedding. Barronelle Stutzman argued that her floral arrangements are works of art and that being forced to create them for same-sex weddings infringed on her freedom of expression.
In 2015, a lower court found Stutzman violated Washington’s anti-discrimination law, and the state Supreme Court upheld this decision in 2017 and 2019. Stutzman agreed to pay a $5,000 settlement after a nearly decade-long legal battle.
In Spring of 2022, Kim Solheim bought the shop from Stutzman and worked to change the community’s view of the shop.
“I’m just looking to let people know that we are completely inclusive,” Solheim said in 2023. “We are here to serve everyone.”
Three years later, Solheim is calling it quits, saying she’s closing April 1st and offering a 30% discount on all items for cash customers. She expressed her gratitude to the community.
“We are deeply grateful for your support over the years,” Solheim stated in a message.
