The size of the online flower market in Turkey reached 100 million USD (90 million Euro). While online flower orders have increased, Turkish consumers stick to classic choices. Most preferred flowers were roses, orchids and daisies.
Ceyhun Turan, Trade Operations Director of CicekSepeti.com, an online flower shop, stated that in Turkey the size of the flower market is 200 million USD (180 million Euro).
"The export value of ornamental plants is 100 million USD. We can say that consumers spend over 200 million USD including e-shopping and instore shopping. The size of online flower sector is 100 million USD." said Turan.
Men send flowers
"Every special day has its own dynamic. In Saint Valentine's Day, red roses are preferred; in Women's Day, mostly carnations and white roses; in Mothers' Day, mostly potted flowers and orchids. However, when we look at the overall picture throughout the year, roses, orchids and daisies are the most preferred flowers. It is more common that men send flowers to women. Besides, women also send flowers to women. Sending flowers to men is less common. Over the last few years, design flowers, terrariums, flower baskets and flowers boxes have become popular." said Ceyhun Turan.
Turan stated that a majority of the orders come from big cities and consumers are 22 to 40 years old. Over the last four years, the growth rate of the online flower market was 30% and CicekSepeti.com's growth rate was 60 to 70%, said Turan.
Overseas operations in Mexico and Spain
CicekSepeti.com also owns an overseas brand namely LolaFlora. The brand operates in Mexico and Spain.
"We are in the Mexican and Spanish markets as well. We are number two in the Mexican market. Soon we will open an office there. We transfer our experience to these markets. We receive good feedback on technology and customer satisfaction. We also plan to expand our business to other European countries, Russia and Ukraine. Currently, 10% of our turnover comes from our operations abroad. We wish to increase this in the future." said Turan.
Source: Milliyet