Amlings Flowerland sold to Atlanta firm

Atlanta, Ga.-based McCarthy Group of Florists said Thursday it has acquired the assets of Amglings Flowerland for $410,000.

The owner of Amlings died about a year ago and creditors demanded a sale, said new owner Brian McCarthy. His firm, known for rejuvenating troubled businesses, said it will retain 25 employees, the company name, and current business and Web addresses.

McCarthy's intends to include direct flower purchasing from growers rather than from wholesalers, online and in-store pricing of products previously unseen, and free local delivery of all online orders. Amlings was founded in 1889 in Melrose Park and has leased stores in Elmhurst, Arlington Heights, Wheaton and St. Charles.

McCarthy said he plans to add two more stores in Chicago and hire 12 to 25 more workers by the end of the year.