Shortage is a word we’ve all become too familiar with, but a flower shortage is one many weren’t expecting, especially the owner of a local flower shop.
Mattie Young owns Veronica Shoemaker Florist in Fort Myers. Young said in all her years of experience she would never have expected this. “Who would have ever thought that a carnation would be much more expensive than roses?” said Young.
Higher wholesale flower prices are not the only thing impacting the flower industry other than the product itself. Bob Tucker is the Executive Director for the Florida State Florist Association. Tucker said every day he will spend half the day just trying to locate the product he needs to complete customer orders.
The lack of product has left some refrigerator shelves at Veronica Shoemaker bare. “We’re mainly having a problem with white roses white carnations, we can’t get them in,” said Young. The shortage has forced florists to pivot their arrangements to match the material on hand.
Bob Tucker is the Executive Director for the Florida State Florist Association. Tucker said every day he will spend half the day just trying to locate the product he needs to complete customer orders.
Tucker also said one of the main reasons behind the shortage is the increase in demand for the unprecedented number of funerals. There is a plus, however. With a limit to what flowers are available for arrangements, florists can now be, well florists. “They may not be the exact flower you like or the exact colors but give me some parameters to work with, and I can design something beautiful for you,” said Tucker.
Young said she hopes things turn around soon. “We are all hoping that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and things will turn around and change, we don’t think the demand is going to get any less,” said Young.
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