good luck with your shop debs, it can be a really hard slog so be prepared!!
as for the fruit and veg man, thats all he is, he is not a florist, or floral designer, he just sells bunches that he doesnt make himself and that really annoys me, the woman next door to me in the spar sells crap bunches, cheap old flowers that i wouldnt give her 10p for and i hate the woman, she tried to copy my ideas at peak periods and you will always get one person at a row of shops that is not happy you are there, and resents you for it,thats life im afraid, rise above it and let your flowers do the talking, even put a sign up that says that your designs are all made by either qualified of experienced florists, dont let it get you down, they will give up eventually, there is always room for competition