Florists from 41 States commit to feel-good campaign Petal It Forward

Florists of all sizes are encouraged to participate in Petal It Forward on Oct. 19. Florists in 41 states and 100 cities already have committed to local Petal It Forward events. The goal is to get participation in all 50 states, with events on Oct. 19, to improve the industry’s chances for exposure through the national news and social media.

Map showing the participation florists

For the second year, the Society of American Florists is helping florists spread the message to consumers that flowers are tied to good feelings — and the movement is picking up serious momentum. Only nine states do not yet participate — Alabama, Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah.

A broad support is critical to the overall success of the feel-good campaign, which encourages industry members to surprise consumers with two “random” bouquets, one to keep and one to share, said SAF’s Vice President of Marketing Jennifer Sparks. The local events will coincide with an SAF flower giveaway On Oct. 19 in New York City.

“The more people we have participating on Oct. 19, the better chance of national news exposure and social media,” Sparks said.

The exposure benefits everyone who sells flowers. Last year, the inaugural Petal It Forward event included representation from industry members in 27 states and 44 cities. The campaign reached more than 212 million people, far beyond those who actually received flowers.

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