Quote:
Originally Posted by dbee
So over the past 5 years in the US, almost 20% of independent florists have shut down. Their market share has been taken by supermarkets and online florist agencies. It's very likely that to some extent the industry trend in the UK will be similar over the next 2-3 years.
What do the users on here think that the indpendent florist can do to counteract the weight which these huge, technologically proficient competitors can bring to the industry ?
Do you think the online flower industry in the UK will be as big as it is in the US ?
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For me its got to be about getting the message across that independent florists offer a choice; and that when compared to a supermarket bunch, a mix of stems from the florist
can offer value and shows that the buyer cares about the recipient (even if its for themself) enough not to just grab something from the garage or supermarket.
I was in my local supermarket early last Saturday to buy my flowers for my course and it was dire - same old stuff - Chysants/spray cars/rose-lily bouquets and some mixed bouquets. They had just had a delivery and I waited (in vain) for something different to be unloaded but it was more of the same in bulk. Now I hear you screaming why didn't you go to your local florist and be supportive! Well they don't open til 09.30 (very hit and miss) - course starts at 09.30 and I get home from work too late to get them the day before! (If I need loads of stuff, I go to the wholesaler).