Now there’s even less excuse for being late with the flowers this Valentine’s Day.

Florist Demco is branching out today by opening a new satellite store, Demco To Go, in Church Street, Hamilton, aimed at making the flower buyer’s life easier than ever before.

Every day, more than 100 fresh ready-to-go arrangements will be professionally designed at the main store in Devonshire and transported to the new outlet.

So whether it’s Valentine’s Day, your anniversary or a birthday, or you simply need to apologise to your wife for working late, the most elegant floral gifts are now just a short walk from your Hamilton office.

Owner Carmen Phillips said: “When I spent time at our store in Devonshire I realised that people enjoy flowers from Demco, but nobody enjoys waiting for it.

“There has to be an opportunity for people to simply walk in and pick up flowers and go.

“But they can’t be the mass market brand. They need to be professionally designed flower creations. At Demco To Go you will see fresh flowers every single day when you walk in, all designed and put together by our team of professionals.”

Rather than the simple bunches you might find in a supermarket or gas station, Demco To Go offers hand-tied aqua packs, vases, single flowers and a selection of flowers for your home.

Specials such as bouquets of ten lilies are ready-made, while you also have the option to call in advance with your individual request. There’s also a consultation area for people wishing to discuss flowers for their weddings or other important occasions.

The store, next to Flybridge Tackle, is opposite Hamilton Bus Terminal — conveniently located for those commuters needing to grab flowers on the way home; with those customers in mind, opening hours will be extended beyond 5pm.

“This location fell into our lap,” said Mrs Phillips.

“I did a visual of where we wanted to be, and I walked around Hamilton. I realised this was perfect for foot traffic, and it would get the exposure because it’s on the main thoroughfare out of Hamilton.

“It’s right by transportation links. It’s perfect for that man who worked a little bit late and needs to pick up a bunch of flowers to apologise to his wife. And it’s near parking too.”

Wood elements and a concrete-looking floor help to create a homey, rustic environment.

“It’s a natural look so people don’t have to walk into a glassy, intimidating atmosphere,” explained Mrs Phillips.

“It seems a lot of people are intimidated by flowers. They don’t know what the flowers are so they tend to go with what they know.

“But at Demco, we don’t want people to feel intimidated. We have everything from modest mums to opulent orchids. We don’t want to be seen as only servicing high-level flower knowledge people.

“Flowers are for everybody. Everybody should feel comfortable to come in and ask questions and get knowledge.

“Flowers are soothing and relaxing, so your trip to the florist should be the same.”

Helen Senogles, who is running Demco To Go, said: “It feels like a home from home. Staff here are happy to chat with you and take the time to explain things to you.

“It needs to be a nice experience for everyone to come into and feel like they are part of it all.”

Ms Senogles has an extensive background as a florist in London, where she worked as a creative director for leading designers including Jane Packer flowers and Moyses Stevens the HRH Prince of Wales florist. She said a key aim of Demco To Go is to “bring the ease to people” in their busy lives.

“Time is precious,” she said. “We are in an instant society, and not everybody has time to plan these things, so we have planned it for you and have got it ready for when you arrive.”

But she said staff will have the time to share their knowledge with customers who want to know more about what they’re buying.

“Our staff will be able to help you out,” she said.

“The girls we have chosen for Demco To Go have flower knowledge, they are well educated girls, very sharp and customer focused.

“We are not following the fashion; we are making sure we can provide everything for everyone.”

However, just because flower buying has been made easier, Mrs Phillips insists there’s no room for complacency on Valentine’s Day.

“Those last minute Valentine’s boys — we love ‘em,” she said. “But if they leave it until noon or one o’clock on Valentine’s Day, they’re risking disappointment, because you just never know if we are going to run out.

“We obviously would prefer if people pre-order. We will have both deliveries and collections available for pre-ordered flowers from Demco To Go, as well as vast amounts of ready to go roses, mixture of flowers, vases, orchids and many more.”

Place your order by calling Demco on 234-7777, e-mailing demco@northrock.bm or visiting www.demco.bm.