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Daily CSR

Daily CSR
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Floralista Shines in Fort Langley's Enchanting Holiday Experience



12/18/2024


Floralista Shines in Fort Langley's Enchanting Holiday Experience
At just 19 years old, Alice de Crom dreamed of becoming a florist and running her own shop. Her mother, inspired by Alice's vision, made a bold decision: she sold their house to fund the creation of Floralista Flower Studio in Fort Langley, British Columbia, and left her job to work alongside her daughter. Now, 12 years later, both Floralista and the de Crom family are flourishing.

This holiday season, they’re part of an extraordinary celebration in Fort Langley, featuring whimsical displays like giant sugar cube forts in a coffee shop, a life-sized chocolate moose at a candy store, and a stunning floral forest at Floralista. These enchanting creations are part of Mastercard’s initiative to bring extra holiday magic to the town and support local businesses during the critical shopping season.

“It’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen,” de Crom says. “We’re thrilled to be part of it.”

The event draws inspiration from Cranberry & Crumm, a custom fairy tale commissioned by Mastercard. The story follows Cranberry, a cheerful sprite, on a mission to bring joy to a grumpy mail carrier named Mr. Crumm. In Fort Langley’s real-life version, Cranberry’s adventures unfold along the town’s picturesque streets, with participating shops transformed into captivating scenes from the tale. Visitors can pick up free storybooks to follow Cranberry’s journey at their own pace.

As they explore, shoppers can collect limited-edition 3D puzzle pieces representing Fort Langley’s historic landmarks. The town, known for its charming atmosphere and as a filming location for shows like Once Upon a Time and Riverdale, is the perfect setting for this immersive experience. Along the way, visitors can enjoy free hot chocolate and holiday treats, creating memories while supporting local shops.

Mastercard designed this storybook experience to bolster small businesses and local communities, which are vital to Canada’s economy, contributing over a third of the private sector GDP in 2020. Running through mid-December, the Cranberry & Crumm event aims to increase foot traffic and sales for Fort Langley’s retailers. It’s the first of many similar initiatives Mastercard plans to launch across North America in the coming years.

“Small businesses are the heart of their communities, and we’re dedicated to fostering their success,” says Rustom Dastoor, Mastercard’s head of marketing and communications for the Americas. “Through events like this, we’re creating opportunities for growth, strengthening connections, and leaving lasting impressions.”

Beyond festive events, Mastercard offers small business owners tools like funding resources, digital solutions, and cybersecurity diagnostics to ensure secure and seamless operations.

For Alice de Crom, the event is an exciting opportunity to attract customers and boost sales during the bustling holiday season. “This adventure invites people into our stores, not just for photos but to shop and support local businesses,” she said.

To meet the anticipated demand, de Crom has stocked up on popular items, including pre-lit fresh garlands at accessible price points.

“We wanted to cater to spontaneous shoppers participating in the story,” she explained while adding, “This event is so unique and exciting. It’s not just about the present moment—it will benefit the entire town for years to come.”