Florist News

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 ?

I think we need to be one step ahead of the supermarkets etc by showcasing the skills that we all have and really showing our creativity. I do think the internet is a hugely useful marketing tool but I also think that many customers still appreciate good old fashioned face to face service. I think the lovely thing about Floristry is the whole experience of walking into a florist shop, we need to inspire the customer with sights and smells! I think most independent shops are at risk and need to adapt to the current market. One of my towns oldest shop has just shut after probably 20 yrs. It was a cheese shop which was fab but unfortunately with Waitrose round the corner most people do the 'one stop shop'. This is where we need to diversify to provide the customer with more interesting options. With regards to supermarket flowers, would you be more impressed if a guest turned up with a supermarket offering or a beautifully wrapped bouquet from a real florist?

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).

__________________
www.treesfloraldesign.co.uk

I think when you're a student its a bit daft to go to a florist, I shouldn't say that but I spent a fortune on flowers when I was training. Saying that though, I'd happily give discount to students if they wanted something a bit different. You don't need the flowers to be top quality either at college so supermarket blooms are ok.

Just Looked At Your Site... Just Curious Are You Here To Sell Your Idea Or Are You Just Here To Chat?

I guess it depends on what your making - but obviously supermarkets are cheaper if doing something like a rose dome. But then building up a portfolio things start to look a bit samey if using supermarket flowers - going to wholesaler is great because it gives me additional flowers to practice with afterwards and I see the cost as an investment in my future.

__________________
www.treesfloraldesign.co.uk

yes the thought crossed my mind too potty

don't buy your flowers from a supermarket!! go to a different florist, mst florist start before 9am! or try nipping out on your lunch break if you need to go while at work

how do you get your foliage from a supermarket??

__________________
Sarah Creating Bespoke Wedding Flowers Cheshire

I found if I went to the wholesaler I'd end up with a load of stuff I couldn't use up. Some weeks we made three pieces which cost a bomb to do and when you're not earning that day its alotta cash. As for foliage I went foraging in the woods. Thankfully never got caught.

"foraging"

__________________
Sarah Creating Bespoke Wedding Flowers Cheshire

Promise you, they don't open that early in Bromley! I tell you I am staggered that some of them stay in business. I pass 2 or 3 on the way to the Saturday a.m. course and none open at 09.00.

On the way to work I pass around 6 florists (I think I know every florist shop in SE London) and on the lead up to Valentine's and Mother's day only 1 of them was open/setting up early on the Friday before MD - I couldn't believe it surely that's prime time to catch people on their way to work. I pass by 2railway stations each with a florist nearby and neither of them are open early or late to catch commuters.

Foliage - I now get from the wholesaler and my best friend 'Ivy' from the garden. The local florist to work is also v. hit and miss - tried to engage her a couple of times by telling her I was on a course but she wasn't interested - Leatherleaf (the only foliage she'd sell me) was £1 a stem.

__________________
www.treesfloraldesign.co.uk