Angelo Tsarouchas Final Show - Sydney

Greek City Interviews James Stevens - Roses Only

What part of Greece are you from ?
My dad was born in Kalymnos and mum was born in Leros.They established their floristry business in 1967, the well known Town Hall station florist in NSW and have retained that business for 40 years. I became a part of that business from a young age. I would work at the shop, go to the flower markets in the morning, do all aspects of floral preparation and presentation and since my father had limited English skills I would also participate in the lease negotiations with the landlords.
My parents were integral in training me in the “art of good customer service “, core principles of a solid business.  

What inspired you then to establish Roses Only?
I wanted to create a “brand” that could go anywhere – a sustainable business model that could be accessed remotely.
I wanted to develop a business that was not beholden to the whims of a landlord, or the concepts of goodwill. I saw a niche in the market for time poor men that wanted to buy flowers and given that the rose is the ultimate classic choice, I decided to simplify the message, simplify the options and develop a clear marketing strategy to support that goal.
The female consumer is sophisticated and appreciates the natural beauty of the rose. The male consumer traditionally makes a purchase for occasions – anniversary, birthdays, to assuage guilt, necessity. We married the two.

In 1995 we launched the product whereby you could place the order over the phone.
In 1999 we went online, utilizing the convenience of e-commerce.

What was that strategy?
Initially we advertised in the Financial Review, predominantly a male target audience and were quite successful.    What really drove it to the next level however was when Alan Jones, famed Radiobroadcaster, joined our campaign.  He was a fantastic champion of our product and took the brand to a whole new level. His involvement diversified the demographic and gave the product greater credibility.

What makes Roses Only such a special gift?
I wanted a “wow” factor – so when you opened that signature box of ours, it’s just a magical experience. 

I only ever use the best quality roses from our suppliers and am willing to break longstanding relationships to maintain that standard of quality. This quality focus of ours has led to attracting and developing strategic alliances with renowned luxury brands such as Moet & Chandon and Lindt chocolates.

What is the scope of the company at present ?
The company directly employs approx 90 people and indirectly 200 people and our signature box of roses can be found in 40 cities around Australia, throughout New Zealand, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and now we are branching throughout London. 

You have already had terrific success with Roses Only what would be your ultimate goal for the business ?To establish a globally respected brand, that will keep going from strength to strength for the next 100
100 years

Being a Greek and like most Greeks a lover of all fine things what’s your favourite Greek meal ?
That one is hard as there are quite a few great places in Sydney that I frequent, The Hellenic Club, the stifado at Perama, Diethnes, The Athenian and The Olive, hosted by Sam and his sister Maria, where they make the most wonderful kalamari and lamb ever.

Does James Stevens relax?
Hardly. I find this extremely difficult as I am a perfectionist with my business, but the ultimate getaway for me is simply good food, sun, beach and warmish water. Not into the whole skiing and all its gear. I am a simple Greek.

Greek Father & Son Wanted for TV Show : The Lost Boys

Father-son team wanted for  new observational documentary series called The Lost Boys.
It focuses on 5 fathers and their sons who are currently experiencing some type of difficulty or strain in their relationship due to long working hours, divorce, absence etc.   The show will be taking the fathers and sons away on a cattle drove in Australia for 28 days with the idea being with help and time away together they will hopefully mend problems in their communications and create a new bond between them.

This is a very professional project with backing from relationship councilors and droving experts who regularly host groups of public to take part in a similar experience.    There is definitely no voting, panel of judges or elimination in the format.  It really is about fathers and sons attempting to re-build their relationship with newly acquired skills through a combined experience.

Looking for fathers and sons who may be interested in participating. Sons would have to be minimum age 15- through to 24. More information cn be found here http://www.greekcity.com.au/content.cfm?id=4058

Top Records Presents Ilias Hatzi New Video Clip "TO ZEIMBEKIKO TOU ILIA" From his latest CD "Geia Sou Top Records Presents Ilias Hatzi New Video Clip "TO ZEIMBEKIKO TOU ILIA" From his latest CD "Geia Sou" Join Ilias Hatzi FAN CLUB to win free tickets to his next concert. For more info go to www.iliashatzi.com One of Australia's leading bouzouki players Ilias Hatzi is also giving bouzouki and guitar lessons who ever is interested in learning contact Ilias Hatzi. Also Ilias Hatzi is available for all your functions. Everything you want to know is on his website.

Last chance to see the biggest show of 2008
Saturday 19th of April 2008 - Sydney Entertainment Centre
For more information please call 02 9787 5344.

Photos from Remos Rouvas Melbourne Concert coming soon
Add your comments about the Remos and Rouvas Concert here

Photos from ONE @ The Cross - Sat 12 April now up. Another massive Beat Corporation event...

Latest Stock in Greek City Store

YIANNIS PLOUTARHOS: best of...special edition (2CDS+DVD).	DJ KRAZY KON presents Greece 2008 (Volume 6)
THANOS PETRELIS - ime akoma eleftheros (special edition CD+DVD)	DESPINA VANDI: 10 hronia mazi (3CDS)
KETI GARBI: 18 hronia live	HRISES EPITIHIES 2008
HEAVEN 2008 (cd+dvd)	NIKOS KOURKOULIS - toses meres toses nihtes

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Thanos Petrelis Live Australia 2007	Thanos Petrelis - Anifora Film Clip	Dora Bakoyiannis Invertview Regarding FYROM name	Tommy Tsonis with Yiorgos Tsalikis
To Zeimbekiko Tou Ilia - Ilias Hatzi	Greece (2) Vs Portugal (1)	It's All Greek - Angelo Tsarouchas - Greek Comedian	Nikos Vertis - Kapote tha dis Live at Posoidon Athens

Greekcity What's On

	THANOS PETRELIS SYDNEY CONCERT DATE ANNOUNCED
	When : Saturday 07 Jun 08 to Sunday 15 Jun 08
	Where : Sydney olympic Park Sports Centre
	THANOS PETRELIS LIVE With entourage of 16 people Sat 07 June 2008 - Sydney Olmypic Park Sports Centre More details here....

BRISBANE

	THE BIG MAN ANGELO TSAROUCHAS RETURNS TO AUSTRALIA
	When : Sunday 13 Apr 08 to Thursday 17 Apr 08
	Where :
	Canadian-born Greek man Angelo Tsarouchas is a heavyweight comedian who delivers knock-out punch lines. In high demand on the global comedy circuit, Angelo is easy to love and impossible to ignore. More details here....

	GREEK GLENDI IN DARWIN AUSTRALIA
	When : Saturday 07 Jun 08 to Sunday 08 Jun 08
	Where : Bicentennial Park The Esplanade
	Experience the largest ethnic celebration in the Northern Territory calendar. More details here....
	THANOS PETRELIS
	When: Friday 13 Jun 08
	Where : Darwin's Amphitheatre The Gardens
	Thanos Petrelis with entourage of 16 people - performing Live Darwin Amphitheatre The Gardens - Friday 13 June 08 More details here....

	GREEK EASTER AFTER PARTY
	When: Sunday 27 Apr 08
	Where : The Long Room 162-168 Collins St Melbourne
	Come down and have a drink... after all the Easter festivities, family and food, come and enjoy some great music, a drink at a world class venue with friends. Special greek City price $10 More details here....
	THANOS PETRELIS MELBOURNE CONCERTS
	When : Sunday 08 Jun 08 to Saturday 14 Jun 08
	Where : Various Venues in Melbourne
	Thanos Petrelis Concerts announced for Melbourne More details here....

	ALEX AND EVE EXTENDED TIL 20 APRIL : DUE TO DEMAND
	When : Thursday 27 Mar 08 to Sunday 20 Apr 08
	Where : Sidetrack Studio Theatre - 142 Addison Road, Marrickville
	The audiences have been unbelievable thus far!! We have been overwhelmed by the audience response and are excited about the extended dates. Tickets now ONLY available for Saturday and Sunday Shows More details here....
	GREEK FESTIVAL OF SYDNEY
	When : Saturday 29 Mar 08 to Sunday 25 May 08
	Where : Various locations around Sydney
	The 26th annual Greek Festival of Sydney will launch with a special two day long celebration at Darling Harbour on the 29th and 30th of March. More details here....
	THE BIG MAN ANGELO TSAROUCHAS RETURNS TO AUSTRALIA
	When : Sunday 13 Apr 08 to Thursday 17 Apr 08
	Where : Various Venues in Melbourne Sydney and Brisbane
	Canadian-born Greek man Angelo Tsarouchas is a heavyweight comedian who delivers knock-out punch lines. In high demand on the global comedy circuit, Angelo is easy to love and impossible to ignore. More details here....
	GEORGE KAPINIARIS - FROM MARRICKVILLE WITH LOVE
	When: Friday 18 Apr 08
	Where : Factory Theatre 105 Marickville Road Marrickville - formerly the Palati
	Bringing him back to his roots "From MARRICKVILLE with Love", is not just a stand up show it's a musical autobiwography! Star of “Who Let the Wogs out?” makes his Cracker debut with a brand new show. More details here....
	ANTONIS REMOS AND SAKIS ROUVAS AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2008
	When: Saturday 19 Apr 08
	Where : Sydney Entertainment Centre
	New tickets have been announced for the Antonis Remos and Sakis Rouvas Australian Tour 2008 show at the Sydney Entertainment Centre More details here....
	FLASHBACK
	When: Saturday 10 May 08
	Where : AV8 Stamford Plaza Hotel (Sydney Airport)
	Everyone's favourite Greek + 80's night celebrates it's 1st Birthday with a huge festivities planned! Featuring DJ's Darcy, Steve Kay, Con Andrews + Tommy Tsonis LIVE on Bouzouki. $3 drinks 9.30pm- More details here....
	THANOS PETRELIS SYDNEY CONCERT DATE ANNOUNCED
	When : Saturday 07 Jun 08 to Sunday 15 Jun 08
	Where : Sydney olympic Park Sports Centre
	THANOS PETRELIS LIVE With entourage of 16 people Sat 07 June 2008 - Sydney Olmypic Park Sports Centre More details here....

	TERRAVIBE
	When: Thursday 22 May 08
	Where : Athens
	Australian pop star, Kylie Minogue, who for the last two decades has millions of fans worldwide is giving for the first time a concert in Greece, on 22, May, at Terra Vibe. More details here....

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