The beginning of March is typically a quiet period in the US floral industry. "We are in a season after Valentine's Day, so many florists are taking some time off to rest and recharge before starting the busy season again in mid-March as Easter approaches," says Hugh Prather of The Rose Guy, who supplies farm-direct flowers from Ecuador to florists and addresses across the US. "Florists do try to promote flowers for Women's Day (March 8) and St. Patrick's Day (March 17), but these holidays aren't as big as Easter and Mother's Day," he adds.
More colors for Easter
International Women's Day is gaining importance globally, especially in Eastern European countries, where flowers are a key part of the celebrations. However, in the US, the demand for floral arrangements for this holiday remains relatively flat. "We promote purple and tinted purple products for International Women's Day, but demand has remained steady and linear over the years," says Prather. The same can be said for St. Patrick's Day, traditionally celebrated with a lot of green and white flowers. "Many florists order and promote green and white flowers, but over the years, we've noticed an increasing preference for pastel colors, because of Easter. We see much higher demand for yellow, pink, white, purple, and lavender products during this time."
The impact of inflation
Will this year be a successful one for florists? Prather notes that inflation poses a significant challenge for the floral industry. "In the U.S., the cost of living and the prices of goods, including flowers, have risen substantially. As a result, many florists have had to raise their prices to cover the increased costs of doing business. While it's crucial to maintain profitability, it's equally important to remain competitive. Navigating inflation requires a delicate balance between keeping prices reasonable for customers while ensuring the business remains sustainable."
2024's second half was better
Looking back at the previous year, Prather shares that the second half of the year showed stronger results than the first. "Sales began to pick up in July, helping to offset the slower months at the start of the year," he explains.
Expectations for 2025
Looking ahead, Prather remains optimistic about the upcoming months. "We expect sales to improve each month compared to last year, with the hope that the Mother's Day season will provide a significant boost. Mother's Day is one of the most critical times of the year for florists to make a profit."
What sets them apart?
Despite the challenges, one key factor that sets successful floral businesses apart is the quality of their products. "We are committed to offering high-end products, ensuring our customers always receive the best flowers. In addition, our wide variety of products means that customers can find everything they need from a single supplier, simplifying the purchasing process."
For More Information
Hugh Prather
The Rose Guy
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://yourroseguy.com/