Arlene’s Flowers & Gifts, a flower shop in Richland, Washington, known for its past involvement in a discrimination lawsuit, will close on March 31. The shop, currently owned by Kim Solheim, announced the closure on social media without providing a reason.
Solheim purchased the shop from its previous owner, Barronelle Stutzman, in mid-2022. In a statement, Arlene’s expressed gratitude for customer support and encouraged patrons to make final purchases before the closure.
The shop gained national attention when Stutzman refused to provide flowers for the wedding of Curt Freed and Robert Ingersoll, long-time customers. The couple, assisted by the American Civil Liberties Union, sued Stutzman for violating Washington’s anti-discrimination laws.
Stutzman argued that her religious beliefs allowed her to decline service, but the Washington Supreme Court ruled against her twice. The U.S. Supreme Court also declined to hear the case.
Stutzman settled the lawsuits in late 2021 by paying $5,000 to the couple. After Solheim took over, she transformed the shop into an inclusive space, selling rainbow-themed arrangements during Pride Month and declaring it a safe space for everyone.
