Valentine's Day sales among German wholesalers ranged from super to disastrous, depending on the region. In some, the rules were eased for the floral industry, but other regions not. Now, the German industry associations are calling for a nationwide opening on March 1, securing the supply of goods for the start of the gardening season. This was reported by BGI, the Association of the German Flower Wholesale and Import Trade.
Together with Zentralverband Gartenbau e. V. (ZVG), the Handelsverband Heimwerken, Bauen und Garten e. V. (BHB), the Association of German Garden Centers e. V. (VDG), the Fachverband Deutscher Floristen Bundesverband e. V. (FDF), Landgard eG, and the Industrieverband Garten (IVG) e. V., they have called for the nationwide opening of the specialized trade on March 1, 2021, in order to equalize purchasing flows and ensure nationwide supply.
Looking back at Valentine's Day
According to BGI, the Valentine's Day sales not only differed per region, also per supplier. In general, the ones using Click & Collect did have pleasing sales. However, not in all federal states Click & Collect was allowed, resulting in high losses. A wholesaler from Saxony reported an 80 percent drop. On top of that, supermarkets and online senders, for example disproportionately profited from the lockdown this year as getting a bouquet from a florist was more difficult this year, restraining customers from pre-ordering at a florist.
Call for nationwide opening on March 1
It is already becoming apparent that it will no longer be possible to meet the demands expected in the coming weeks via the ordering and collection services of specialist garden centers, DIY stores and florists, BGI reports. "In addition, the usual promotions in the food retail sector at the start of the gardening season could lead to a veritable run on sales outlets in the absence of alternatives. Opening up garden centers, retail nurseries, and DIY stores could help to alleviate this situation, especially as their local conditions and self-imposed very strict hygiene measures mean that they are comparatively safe places to shop."
The horticultural businesses, DIY stores, the specialist horticultural trade and floricultural stores in Germany have been preparing for the spring season for weeks and urgently need planning security, the association reports. "Sales outlets and producers now need a political signal to be able to start planning for reopening and to ensure the availability of goods."
The associations continue to stand behind the important pandemic protection measures to control the infectious disease COVID 19, underline ZVG, BHB, VDG, FDF, Landgard, BGI and IVG. However, a prompt nationwide opening of nurseries, DIY stores, horticultural retailers and floricultural stores can help to maintain and regain public acceptance of the lockdown measures.
Together with other associations, they started a petition. This petition is currently signed by 13.651 people and will run till Sunday February 21. Click here for the petition .
For more information:
BGI
Verband des Deutschen Blumen- Groß- und Importhandels e.V.
E-Mail: info@bgi-ev.de
www.bgi-ev.de