Florists across the U.S., including in Chicago, are grappling with higher costs and economic uncertainty due to tariffs ahead of a busy season of fall weddings and winter holidays. More than 85% of cut flowers sold in the U.S. are imported. Colombia was the largest source country, followed by Ecuador, Canada, the Netherlands and Mexico in 2024, according to the Society of American Florists, an industry association.
Vases, ribbon, packaging and other hard goods are often imported from China. Tariffs on flowers and goods range from 10% and upward. Duties on vases from India rose to 50% on Aug. 27.
Juli Tkalec, owner of A Pretty Flower in Lincoln Square, said her costs have increased about 10% across the board. "The flip-flopping has been really frustrating, too, because some days our suppliers would charge us more, but a few days later it's less," Tkalec said. A Pretty Flower, at 2334 W. Lawrence Ave., is absorbing higher costs and hasn't raised prices yet, like many local businesses.
"We haven't called any clients to tell them we have to increase the cost of their weddings. That would be in poor taste. If we really need to, a recipe may have a stem or two less," Tkalec said.
Read more at WBEZ Chicago
