New Albany’s 118-year-old Aebersold Florist changes ownership, ending four generations of family control

A century-old florist enters a new chapter

Aebersold Florist, a long-running flower and gift shop at 1217 Silver St. in New Albany, Indiana, has been sold to new owners, marking the first time in its 118-year history that the business will operate outside the founding family. The transfer follows more than a century of continuous ownership through four generations, with the shop tracing its roots to 1908.

The incoming owners are Louisville residents Caitlin and Brian Yost, who finalized the purchase on Dec. 22. The sale concludes the tenure of fourth-generation owner Lara Collett, who has worked in the shop full time since the early 1990s and became owner in 2023.

Why the business was sold

Collett decided to sell as her family circumstances changed, including the arrival of a grandchild and the need to be closer to adult children living outside the region. She is expected to remain involved during a transition period through Feb. 25, after which she plans to relocate to Nashville later in 2026 or in early 2027.

A key element of the transaction was continuity for employees and the storefront. Collett sought buyers who would keep the operation intact rather than absorb its customer base into another business.

Who the new owners are and how operations will work

The Yosts described the acquisition as their first business ownership, coming from professional backgrounds outside the floral industry. Under the planned division of responsibilities, Caitlin Yost will hold majority ownership while continuing her work in higher education. Brian Yost is expected to manage daily operations full time.

The new owners have indicated they intend to maintain Aebersold’s local footprint in Southern Indiana while serving customers across the Louisville metropolitan area, reflecting the shop’s established delivery patterns on both sides of the Ohio River.

What stays the same—and what may evolve

Aebersold Florist has shifted its business model over time, including moving from growing flowers locally to relying more heavily on imported flowers and expanding services beyond traditional retail arrangements. The shop’s offerings include everyday floral deliveries as well as wedding and sympathy work, and it has also hosted design workshops and classes.

• Location remains: 1217 Silver St., New Albany.
• Delivery area continues to include nearby Indiana communities and the Louisville metro area.
• Workshops and community-oriented programming are expected to continue, with additions under consideration.

A landmark business with deep local ties

The florist’s history is intertwined with the surrounding neighborhood, including the presence of Aebersold Drive nearby. The ownership change positions one of the region’s longest-running retail businesses to test whether a new management team can preserve established relationships while adapting to modern customer expectations and a competitive floral market.

Aebersold’s ownership transition closes a four-generation chapter and begins a new one led by a Louisville-based couple taking on the shop as their first business.