A Richland flower shop at the center of a discrimination lawsuit for its previous owner’s refusal to provide flowers to a gay couple will close its doors on March 31. 

Arlene’s Flowers & Gifts, currently owned by Kim Solheim, announced the closure via social media. A reason for the closure was not provided.  

She bought the Lee Boulevard flower shop from previous owner Barronelle Stutzman in mid-2022. 

“We are deeply grateful for your support over the years, and want to ensure you have the opportunity to complete any final purchases before our closure,” Arlene’s post said. 

Arlene’s made national headlines when the former owner refused to provide flowers for the wedding of Tri-City residents Curt Freed and Robert Ingersoll, longtime customers of the shop. The couple sued with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union, saying she violated the state’s anti-discrimination laws. 

Stutzman was defended by Alliance Defending Freedom, arguing that her right to religious liberty permitted her to decline to serve Freed and Ingersoll. In the end, she was twice found by the Washington Supreme Court to have violated anti-discrimination laws, first on appeal from Benton County Superior Court and again on remand by the U.S. Supreme Court. 

Stutzman eventually settled the lawsuits in late 2021, paying $5,000 to the couple. 

Solheim, who previously worked for Stutzman, made the flower shop inclusive, selling rainbow-themed arrangements during Pride Month in June and saying it was a safe space for all. 

“We believe that everyone deserves flowers,” the store announced via social media after Solheim bought the store.