It was a case of one in and one out at the weekend on the Flower Market as the trading floor evolved once more.

As reported last week on this site, Dave Gorton of G.B Foliage retired on Friday and with it went one of the market’s longstanding foliage wholesalers and characters. On Saturday morning though, Damian Waloch opened a new plant wholesaler Ilo Bloom, in Unit C17.

There's a new wholesaler in town

The Ilo Bloom name may be new to customers, but Damian’s certainly is not, having worked as a salesperson in the market for several years. He began his career in Nine Elms with G.B Foliage, then spent a couple of years with both Bloomfield and Porters Foliage.

There have been a few changes in the market lately and Damian feels that now is the right time to realise his ambition of going it alone. “I know starting on my own is challenging and carries its own risks however I’ve been planning this for a while and I know I can totally do it, with the approach to the business I possess,” he explained.

“I’ve started out with supplies from Holland, but I also have English growers lined up to start serving me very soon. Like everyone should, my main aim is to make clients happy and pleased with the purchase, making sure they come back the following day.”

Damian with a customer

The firm’s first Saturday was a busy one, as a sea of colour attracted people to a stand resplendent with bedding plants including cyclamen, lavender and some beautiful Erica heather. “Quality, service and price are all important, but I also want to offer several new products that attract customers and make them visit the market instead of purchasing online” added Damian.

“Competition is always good here, it’s what makes the market successful. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead,” he said.

Damian Wolach