Floral Business News | Florists' Review https://floristsreview.com The international source for the floral industry since 1897 Tue, 17 Jun 2025 16:27:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://i0.wp.com/floristsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-fr-icon-circle.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Floral Business News | Florists' Review https://floristsreview.com 32 32 144731166 US: A New Orleans wedding florist making tariff arrangements https://floristsreview.com/us-a-new-orleans-wedding-florist-making-tariff-arrangements/ Tue, 17 Jun 2025 16:26:59 +0000 https://floristsreview.com/?p=887658 “There’s so many amazing florists in New Orleans. If we’re the first florist that puts a clause in our contract about raising prices due to tariffs, we might not get the business,” says Jacqui Roche, co-owner of Cry Baby Floral.

Jacqui Roche is a wedding and events florist and co-owner of Cry Baby Floral in New Orleans, Louisiana. The price of flowers and other items in the wedding supply chain are subject to on-and-off tariffs.

“Roses, which come from South America, they used to cost maybe around $1.50 apiece. Now, I’m looking around and they’re like $1.75, $2 a stem … we’re buying hundreds of them, and so it really starts to add up,” Roche said.

Read more at Marketplace

Frontpage photo: © Elita Vellekoop | FloralDaily.com

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Mother’s Day Spending Nears Record Highs https://floristsreview.com/mothers-day-spending-nears-record-highs/ Thu, 24 Apr 2025 16:06:25 +0000 https://floristsreview.com/?p=887384 According to the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics, shoppers in 2024 spent $33.5 billion, averaging $254.04 per person. That’s the second-highest average in the survey’s history, just behind 2023’s record.

Full Article Here

Source: Rio Roses

Mother’s Day Spending Nears Record Highs: What It Means for Florists

 Rio Roses Floral Industry Trends & NewsMother’s Day

Mother’s Day falls on May 12 this year, and based on last year’s numbers, consumers are preparing to spend big. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics, shoppers in 2024 spent $33.5 billion, averaging $254.04 per person. That’s the second-highest average in the survey’s history, just behind 2023’s record.

While jewelry and electronics still saw high overall spending, many shoppers returned to time-honored gifts with deep emotional value. That’s excellent news for floral professionals! Flowers remain one of the most cherished ways to celebrate the holiday, with 74% of consumers including them in their celebrations.

Flowers Take Center Stage
Floral gifting is more popular than ever. With three-quarters of consumers giving flowers, total spending in this category reached $3.2 billion last year. Whether it’s a classic bouquet of roses or a custom-designed arrangement, flowers continue to offer a beautiful and meaningful way to say “thank you” to moms and mother figures.

Other top Mother’s Day gifts include:

  • Greeting cards (74%)
  • Special outings like brunch or dinner (59%)
  • Jewelry (40%)
  • Electronics (21%)

Many people are combining gifts, like bringing flowers to a brunch or sending a bouquet with a handwritten note, to create a complete experience that feels personal and memorable.

top 3 gifts image

A Shift Toward Meaningful Gifts

The popularity of flowers reflects a broader trend in Mother’s Day gifting. While spending on big-ticket items remains high, there’s a shift toward gifts that carry emotional weight and show thoughtfulness.

Florists are in a prime position to meet this demand by offering:

  • Personalized arrangements tailored to recipients
  • Handwritten notes or custom card add-ons
  • Color-themed collections to match different styles
  • Creative packaging that enhances presentation

From elegant pastels to vibrant spring mixes, your design expertise can turn a simple bouquet into a heartfelt message.

Plan for High Demand
With 84% of U.S. adults celebrating the holiday, now is the time to prepare your shop, staff, and marketing strategy. To get ahead of the rush, consider:

  • Creating pre-designed bouquets at various price points
  • Simplifying online ordering and local delivery
  • Offering same-day or scheduled delivery options
  • Partnering with local businesses (restaurants, spas, bakeries) for bundled gift experiences
  • Promoting early ordering to help manage inventory and workflow

Clear communication, attractive merchandising, and timely promotions will help you meet demand and drive sales.

spending plans graph

Connect with Every Kind of Customer

Today’s Mother’s Day celebrations go beyond traditional moms. Customers are honoring a range of important women in their lives, including:

  • Stepmothers
  • Grandmothers
  • Wives and partners
  • Daughters
  • Sisters and aunts
  • Friends and mentors

This broader audience creates more selling opportunities. Be sure to showcase versatile designs and suggest arrangements suited to different relationships. Small details like a card message suggestion or a unique flower pairing can make the gift feel even more personal.

Make It Memorable
Last year’s spending shows that people want to show their appreciation in meaningful ways. As a floral professional, you’re uniquely positioned to help them do just that. The flowers you create don’t just brighten someone’s day; they become part of a cherished memory.

Focus on providing:

  • A smooth and thoughtful customer experience
  • Creative, emotional designs
  • Reliable delivery and presentation

When your flowers help tell someone’s Mother’s Day story, you’re not just making a sale: You’re making a lasting impression.

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Strategies to Boost Your Administrative Professionals Day Sales https://floristsreview.com/strategies-to-boost-your-administrative-professionals-day-sales/ Thu, 03 Apr 2025 16:20:36 +0000 https://floristsreview.com/?p=887236 Administrative Professionals Day, on April 23 this year, is a great time to appreciate office staff. This article shares strategies to capitalize on this popular gift-giving occasion.

Full Article Here

Source: Rio Roses

7 Proven Strategies to Boost Your Sales for Admin Pro Day

 Rio Roses Floral Industry Trends & News

Administrative Professionals Day is a great way to show appreciation to the staff who keep offices running. It falls on the Wednesday of April’s last full week; this year, it’s on April 23. So, how do you tap into this increasingly popular day for gifts and boost your sales in the process? Here are seven proven strategies you can use.

1. Educate Customers About the Day’s Importance
Many people don’t know much about Administrative Professionals Day or how to celebrate it. That’s where you come in as a helpful expert! When you educate customers, you increase their desire to buy your flowers.

• Share the History: Create simple blog posts about why this day matters.
• Post Helpful Tips: Use social media to suggest ways to show genuine appreciation.
• Tell Success Stories: Share photos and stories from past celebrations to inspire new buyers.
• Use Popular Hashtags: Add #AdministrativeProfessionalsDay to your posts to reach more people.

2. Stock Up on the Right Flowers
Administrative professionals deserve beautiful arrangements that brighten their workspaces. To appeal to a wide range of customers, offer a mix of classic and trendy options at various price points.

• Roses: Soft colors and mixed bouquets work well in office settings
• Pompons: Lovely, long-lasting, and perfect for offices
• Lilies: Add a touch of class with their refined look
• Sunflowers: Bring cheer to any desk with their bright appearance
• Spring Mixes: A combination of seasonal favorites for a fresh, vibrant look

3. Create Office-Friendly Arrangements
Once you have your flower inventory planned, add creative touches that make your arrangements perfect for the workplace.

• Desk-Sized Bouquets: Create compact designs that don’t take up too much space.
• Gift Bundles: Pair flowers with chocolates, candles, or other treats.
• Custom Options: Offer arrangements that match company colors or personal preferences.

4. Target Businesses with Special Offers
Many companies buy flowers in bulk for this day. To appeal to these high-volume buyers, develop targeted strategies that address their needs.

• Bulk Discounts: Create special pricing for multiple-bouquet orders.
• Early Bird Deals: Reward planning with discounts for advance orders.
• Loyalty Programs: Give repeat business customers perks like free delivery.
• Direct Outreach: Contact office managers with personalized emails about your offerings.

5. Boost Your Visibility Online and In-Store
After creating your product offerings and business packages, you’ll need to ensure potential customers can find you when they’re ready to buy.

• Create a Special Web Page: Feature high-quality photos of your Administrative Professionals Day collection.
• Send Timely Emails: Remind customers about the day and share exclusive offers.
• Post on Social Media: Show your arrangements and gift ideas on Instagram, Facebook, and other social media channels.
• Update Search Listings: Make sure your store appears when people search for last-minute gifts.

6. Make Ordering Simple and Flexible
Even with great products and strong visibility, you must make it easy for busy professionals to place orders. Remove barriers by offering these flexible options:

• Quick Delivery: Offer same-day and next-day delivery.
• Click-and-Collect: Let customers order online and pick up in-store.
• Corporate Accounts: Make it easy for businesses to place large orders.
• Subscription Options: Suggest recurring flower deliveries for future occasions.

7. Create Excitement with Promotions
Drive even more interest and sales with special offers. These promotions can turn browsing customers into paying ones.

• Social Media Contests: Ask followers to nominate deserving administrative professionals.
• In-Store Events: Offer small treats or samples for customers who visit.
• Local Partnerships: Team up with nearby businesses for cross-promotions.
• Limited-Time Deals: Create urgency with special pricing that ends before the day.

Turn Administrative Professionals Day into a Sales Success
With thoughtful planning and clever marketing, Administrative Professionals Day can increase your customer base and sales. Plus, fostering relationships with corporate clients can mean more business throughout the year. Good luck!

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BloomNation Announces New Partnership with Florabundance https://floristsreview.com/bloomnation-announces-new-partnership-with-florabundance/ Fri, 28 Mar 2025 19:42:34 +0000 https://floristsreview.com/?p=887170 BloomNation announces a new partnership with Florabundance. This new partnership offers florists an exciting opportunity to source premium flowers with confidence and access industry-leading business tools.

Full Article Here

Source: BloomNation

BloomNation Announces New Partnership with Florabundance

  • March 24, 2025

PRESS RELEASE

BloomNation Announces New Partnership with Florabundance Under Growing Partnership Program

LOS ANGELES, CA – March 24, 2025 – BloomNation, the leading all-in-one platform for independent florists, is excited to announce a new partnership under the BloomNation Partnership Program with Florabundance, one of the largest and most respected wholesale fresh flower providers in the United States.

Located in Carpinteria, CA — just up the coast from BloomNation’s Santa Monica headquarters — Florabundance has built a reputation over the past 31 years for exceptional quality, vast variety, and top-tier service. Their dedication to helping floral designers and florists source premium flowers aligns perfectly with BloomNation’s mission to empower independent florists with the best tools, technology, and resources to succeed.

BloomNation has had the privilege of previously collaborating with Joost Bongaerts, Owner & President of Florabundance, who joined BloomNation CEO Farbod Shoraka on a podcast to discuss what florists need to know about working with wholesalers and how to build strong, mutually beneficial relationships in the floral supply chain. This new partnership builds on that relationship and offers florists an exciting opportunity to source premium flowers with confidence and access industry-leading business tools.

Exclusive Offers

To celebrate this partnership, BloomNation florists will enjoy exclusive perks and savings on Florabundance orders for a limited time. Florists can log into their BloomNation dashboard to view the full details and take advantage of these special benefits.

Not on BloomNation yet? Florabundance is inviting their florist clients to join the BloomNation community and unlock exclusive savings on the BloomNation platform through Florabundance. Florists can learn more and access the offer here:
https://marketing.joinbloomnation.com/florabundance

“We’re especially proud to partner with a wholesaler whose roots trace back to the Netherlands—the global heart of the floral industry,” said Lynn Rafferty, Partnership Manager at BloomNation. “Florabundance’s heritage, combined with their strong commitment to quality and service, perfectly complements BloomNation’s mission to provide independent florists with the best tools and resources. Together, we’re helping florists thrive both online and in-store.”

The BloomNation Partnership Program connects florists with trusted industry partners, including wholesalers, growers, funeral homes, and floral suppliers, who want to expand their reach while supporting the independent florist community.

Florists interested in learning more about BloomNation’s high-converting websites, advanced PoS system, automated marketing, and wedding & event solutions can visit BloomNation for Florists.

Wholesale, grower, and supplier partners interested in joining the BloomNation Partnership Program can learn more here: BloomNation Partnership Program.

About BloomNation:

BloomNation is the leading platform designed to empower independent florists with cutting-edge e-commerce tools, an advanced PoS, powerful marketing services, and business solutions that increase sales, streamline operations, and build lasting customer relationships.

www.joinbloomnation.com

About Florabundance:

Founded in 1994 and based in Carpinteria, California, Florabundance is a premier wholesale floral provider offering one of the largest selections of fresh-cut flowers, garden roses, and floral supplies sourced from top growers worldwide. Florabundance is committed to exceptional quality, personalized service, and supporting floral designers and florists in creating unforgettable designs for weddings, events, and everyday celebrations. 

www.florabundance.com

Media Contact:
Sonia Maslovskaya
Head of Marketing
sonia.maslovskaya@bloomnation.com
BloomNation

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How to Use AI in the Floral Industry https://floristsreview.com/how-to-use-ai-in-the-floral-industry/ Mon, 24 Mar 2025 18:56:09 +0000 https://floristsreview.com/?p=887114 Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the floral industry. It’s helping businesses manage inventory, forecast trends, and improve customer service.

Full Article Here

Source: Rio Roses

How to Use AI in the Floral Industry: It’s All About Authenticity

 Rio Roses Floral Industry Trends & News

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the floral industry. It’s helping businesses manage inventory, forecast trends, and improve customer service. But using AI to create floral images is risky: When you use AI-generated pictures that don’t reflect real flowers, it can mislead customers and damage trust. This guide will show you how AI can help your business and what mistakes to avoid.

The Risks of AI-Generated Floral Images
Using AI to create flowers or arrangements that don’t exist in real life can lead to disappointment. Why is this such a problem? Because flowers are naturally imperfect! Real blooms have variations in petal size, color, and shape.

AI-generated images, on the other hand, are often too perfect. Did you realize, for example, that every image in this article is AI-generated? Sure, they’re beautiful, but they’re not real!

How Using AI Images Can Damage Trust

• Misleading customers. If customers don’t get what they expected, they may not buy from you again.
• Loss of industry credibility. If too many companies use fake images, customers might stop trusting the entire floral industry.
• Challenges for event planners. If a florist promises a specific flower based on an AI image and that flower doesn’t exist, it could ruin an event like a wedding or corporate gathering.

How to Use AI the Right Way
1. Inventory and Sales Management
AI can help you predict which flowers will sell best based on season, location, and customer demand. This allows you to stock the right products and avoid waste.

• Track customer buying patterns to forecast demand.
• Adjust inventory based on trends and seasonal changes.
• Avoid overstocking or understocking popular blooms.

2. Personalization and Customer Recommendations
AI can help you create a more personal experience for customers.

• Recommend specific floral arrangements based on customer preferences.
• Use AI to suggest add-ons like vases, ribbons, or complementary flowers.
• Create targeted marketing campaigns to increase customer engagement.

3. Enhancing Customer Service
AI can improve how you interact with customers.

• Use AI-driven chatbots to answer customer questions quickly.
• Provide real-time recommendations based on customer preferences.
• Handle simple customer service issues with AI, freeing up time for your team.

The Value of Authenticity in Floral Marketing
AI is a tool, but it should never replace authentic images. After all, customers want and deserve to know exactly what they’re getting.

1. Use Professional Photography
Invest in high-quality photography of real flowers with real models. Show the actual color, size, and texture of each bloom. Customers will trust you more when the product matches the picture.

2. Be Transparent
If you enhance an image with AI, be honest about it. Label AI-enhanced photos clearly. Make sure customers know what’s real and what’s not.

3. Deliver What You Promise
If you show a bouquet in your advertising, ensure it looks the same when the customer receives it. Consistency builds trust and encourages repeat business.

AI Image

AI is a powerful tool, but it should never mislead customers. In the floral industry, trust is everything. By being honest in your marketing and consistent in your customer experience, you’ll build lasting trust and grow your business.

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Creative Ways to Use QR Codes for Gifting https://floristsreview.com/creative-ways-to-use-qr-codes-for-gifting/ Mon, 24 Mar 2025 15:01:53 +0000 https://floristsreview.com/?p=887089 Technology has opened up new ways to personalize and elevate the experience of giving and receiving gifts. Let’s explore five creative ways to use QR codes for gifting—whether it’s for birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events, or to show appreciation.

QR video messaging

Full Article Here

Source QR Zipper

5 Creative Ways to Use QR Codes for Gifting: From Birthdays to Corporate Events

Gift-giving has always been about more than just the present itself—it’s about the thought, the effort, and the emotions behind it. Today, technology has opened up new ways to personalize and elevate the experience of giving and receiving gifts. One unique tool that’s making waves is the use of QR codes. They’re simple, scannable, and add an interactive touch that turns a standard gift into something unforgettable.

Let’s explore 5 creative ways to use QR codes for gifting—whether it’s for birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events, or just to show appreciation. Each of these ideas is designed to make your gifts more meaningful and memorable.

1. Birthday Surprises: Video Messages Hidden in QR Codes

Imagine a loved one opening a birthday present and finding a QR code attached. When they scan it, a heartfelt video message from family and friends pops up on their screen! You can record personalized birthday wishes, share fun memories, or even sing “Happy Birthday.” The recipient not only gets a tangible gift but also a digital one that captures the essence of your relationship. It’s a fantastic way to surprise someone, especially if you’re celebrating from a distance.

Pro Tip: For an extra touch, include a series of QR codes throughout the day, each one leading to a new video, building up the excitement and joy

2. Wedding Gifts: Capture the Couple’s Story

Make wedding presents truly memorable by using QR codes that tell the story of the couple. Attach a QR code to your gift, leading to a slideshow or a mini-documentary showcasing their journey—how they met, memorable moments, and wishes from close friends and family. The newlyweds will appreciate the time and thought put into something that goes beyond the usual wedding gift and becomes a cherished digital keepsake.

Pro Tip: Include QR codes in wedding invitations too, leading to a fun RSVP page or a teaser video about what guests can expect at the event.

3. Corporate Gifting: Personal Appreciation Messages

Corporate gifts often feel generic and impersonal, but they don’t have to be. Enhance the experience by incorporating QR codes into your gifts that link to a personalized message from the CEO, team leader, or the entire company. It could be a simple thank-you video, a motivational message, or a look back on shared achievements. This small addition can turn a standard gift basket or branded merchandise into a powerful tool for employee appreciation and client retention.

Pro Tip: If you’re gifting multiple clients, use dynamic QR codes to personalize each message based on the recipient, showing you’ve taken the extra step to make each one feel valued.

4. Holiday Gifts: Create a Virtual Treasure Hunt

For families, friends, or even colleagues, make holiday gifting more interactive by creating a QR code treasure hunt. Attach a QR code to the first gift, leading to a video clue about where to find the next one. Each subsequent QR code can lead to more hints, fun messages, or short games. The final code can link to a heartfelt holiday greeting or a big reveal of a special gift.

This activity adds a layer of fun and engagement, perfect for bringing people together during festive times.

Pro Tip: Consider including family photos or funny holiday moments in the QR-linked content to create a nostalgic and entertaining experience.

5. Anniversary Gifts: A Time Capsule of Memories

Celebrate anniversaries by gifting a “time capsule” of your shared moments together. Attach QR codes to a scrapbook, photo album, or even a simple card, linking to various digital memories—such as your first date, wedding day, and other milestone moments. Each scan brings up a different story, video, or audio clip, letting your partner relive the special moments in your relationship.

Pro Tip: Record a new message every year and update the QR codes, turning your anniversary gifts into a growing collection of cherished memories.

How to Get Started with QR Codes for Gifting

Implementing QR codes is easier than it sounds. There are many free and paid tools available online where you can create and customize QR codes in minutes. Once generated, you can print them on cards, stickers, or even integrate them into packaging. For a smoother experience, consider using a service like QRMessage™, which allows you to create, manage, and track personalized QR codes for gifting.

By incorporating QR codes into your gifts, you’re adding a layer of creativity and thoughtfulness that goes beyond what’s expected. So the next time you’re looking for a way to make your gift stand out, think about how a simple scan could open up a world of personalized possibilities!

With these ideas, you’re sure to make an impact—whether it’s a small personal gesture or a large-scale corporate event. Explore the potential of QR codes, and turn your next gift into something unforgettable!

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Valentine’s Day Spending Trends https://floristsreview.com/valentines-day-spending-trends/ Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:12:26 +0000 https://floristsreview.com/?p=886622 Last year’s trends offer valuable insights to help florists make the most of 2025 to thrive during one of the year’s most profitable holidays.

Full Article Here Source: Rio Roses

Valentine’s Day Spending Trends: What the Numbers Mean for Your Floral Business

 Rio Roses Floral Industry Trends & News

Love is in the air, and so is a new wave of Valentine’s Day spending! As we prepare for this year’s holiday, last year’s spending trends give us key insights into what we can expect for 2025. Let’s dive into the numbers and trends to see what they mean for the floral industry’s biggest holiday.

A Look Back: Valentine’s Day 2024 Spending Highlights

Last year, consumers across the U.S. spent an impressive $25.8 billion on Valentine’s Day celebrations, averaging $185.81 per person. Interestingly, a record $14.2 billion went toward significant others and spouses. This shows a priority on romantic relationships over celebrations like Galentine’s Day or gifts for coworkers and pets.

Flowers were a top priority in 2024, with $2.6 billion spent. This record-breaking number accounted for 39% of Valentine’s purchases. Other popular gifts included candy (57%), greeting cards (40%), an evening out (32%), and jewelry (22%). These trends reflect a clear preference for both traditional and meaningful gifts.

As for demographics, 25-34-year-olds celebrated Valentine’s Day the most (62%). However, 35-44-year-olds were the biggest spenders. And online shopping continued to grow, capturing 40% of Valentine’s sales, up from 35% the previous year.

What’s Ahead: 2025 Spending Predictions

Based on these patterns, Valentine’s Day 2025 should be another strong season for consumer spending. Here’s what we expect:

1. Continued Emphasis on Romance

Romantic partners will remain the primary focus of Valentine’s Day spending, with consumers likely to exceed last year’s record $14.2 billion. This trend underscores the importance of meaningful, emotion-driven gifts. That’s an area where flowers truly shine!

2. Steady Growth in Overall Spending

While the total spending projection for 2025 remains close to last year’s $25.8 billion, we expect a slight increase. Flowers will also maintain their strong position, with sales likely to match or exceed the $2.6 billion record set in 2024.

3. Online Shopping Gains Ground

Online shopping will grow further, building on last year’s 40% share of Valentine’s sales. And you know what that means: florists with a strong online presence will have a competitive edge. Traditional brick-and-mortar spending, while still significant (17% in 2024), may remain steady or decline.

4. Consistent Gift Preferences

The hierarchy of Valentine’s Day gifts is likely to remain the same in 2025. Flowers will be in the top three, alongside candy and greeting cards. Jewelry and experiential gifts like evenings out will also remain popular. This consistency offers predictability for florists as you plan your offerings.

What These Spending Trends Mean for Florists

Valentine’s Day 2025 trends highlight a tremendous opportunity for the floral industry. Flowers continue to be one of the most meaningful and versatile ways for consumers to express love and appreciation. To capitalize on this, here are key strategies for success:

• Diversify Your Offerings: Offer a range of options, from luxurious arrangements to more budget-friendly bouquets, to cater to varying budgets and preferences.
• Focus Marketing on Romantic Partners: With a significant portion of Valentine’s Day spending directed toward romantic partners, tailor your advertising and promotions to highlight flowers as the perfect gift for significant others.
• Emphasize Delivery and Convenience: With online shopping expected to grow, ensure your delivery services are fast, reliable, and customizable. Highlight same-day or next-day delivery options to attract last-minute shoppers.
• Promote Early Orders: Encourage customers to order early with discounts or special promotions, helping you manage inventory and reduce stress on Valentine’s Day.
• Leverage Social Media Marketing: Showcase your designs on Instagram and Facebook to reach younger demographics who are key spenders during Valentine’s Day.

By understanding these spending trends and adapting to evolving consumer preferences, your business can and will thrive during one of the year’s most profitable holidays. After all, love may be priceless, but flowers remain the perfect way to show it!

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U.S. places hold on 25% tariff on Colombian imports https://floristsreview.com/u-s-places-hold-on-25-tariff-on-colombian-imports/ Mon, 27 Jan 2025 16:59:24 +0000 https://floristsreview.com/?p=886582 A resolution was reached, placing a hold on the proposed tariff.

Full Article Here

Source: floraldaily.com

U.S. places hold on 25% tariff on Colombian imports

Yesterday, the flower industry in the US and Colombia was anxiously holding its breath as tensions escalated between the two nations. The dispute stemmed from Colombia’s initial refusal to accept deportation flights from the U.S., prompting threats of a 25% tariff on Colombian imports and sanctions. However, a resolution was reached when Colombia agreed to accept the deportees, successfully averting a trade war. Good news for the industry as such a conflict could have had a significant impact, particularly with Valentine’s Day just around the corner. Colombia supplies approximately 80% of the flowers sold in the U.S. for the holiday.

When and how it started
On Sunday, January 26, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social a 25% tariff on all Colombian imports after Colombia’s president Gustavo Petro denied US military deportation flights from landing. Petro swiftly responded in a long post on X, stating he would implement a similar tariff, escalating tensions as both nations threatened to raise tariffs to as high as 50%. In the hours that followed, political tension and market uncertainty persisted, but diplomatic efforts from both countries worked toward finding a resolution.

Tariffs and sanctions put on hold
Fortunately, late on Sunday, the White House announced that Colombia had agreed to accept the migrants, leading Washington to withdraw its threatened penalties, Reuters reports. In their article, they quote some phrases from the statement: “The Government of Colombia has agreed to all of President Trump’s terms, including the unrestricted acceptance of all illegal aliens from Colombia returned from the United States, including on U.S. military aircraft, without limitation or delay,” it said. Draft orders imposing tariffs and sanctions on Colombia would be “held in reserve, and not signed, unless Colombia fails to honor this agreement”, it added.

Impact on flower industry
When the increase in tax tariffs was announced, several articles were published on the potential impact on the flower industry. Also Jill Brooke from Flower Power Daily published an article on the impact of this action on the floral industry in the U.S.. “I’ve been watching posts all day in floral groups panicking about the newly imposed tariff on Colombian imports,” florist Kelly Shore told her. “Yesterday was a very upsetting one for U.S. florists”, Jill says.

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Floral Refrigeration https://floristsreview.com/floral-refrigeration/ Mon, 06 Jan 2025 15:39:14 +0000 https://floristsreview.com/?p=886429 Proper refrigeration is critical for florists to maintain the freshness and longevity of flowers, requiring precise temperature control, moderate to high humidity, and low airflow. Flot-Aire Refrigerators emphasizes the science behind floral refrigeration.

Source:  Flot-Aire Refrigerators 

florist in floral cooler

Refrigeration and the Florist 

By Flot-Aire Refrigerators 

Refrigeration has a primary purpose to keep products placed in a space colder than the ambient one and it must also maintain, reduce or add humidity. So, we might say there is a science behind the right refrigeration for your product. 

Flowers are a special and delicate product that needs to be kept in a colder environment with moderate to high humidity with low air flow. Some varieties of flowers need to be kept colder than others. 

We have recommended 37F degrees at the low end to 41F at the time the unit starts to cool down. The reason is that 37F is suitable for a large variety of flowers and forage. But we know some will try to store roses at 33F-34F to keep them from opening, and many florists would rather have a tight rose. Here is one solution to consider. Place the roses on the top shelf or anywhere that is closer to the air coming directly off the evaporator. This will be about 32F-34F degrees. You may need to wrap, so not to burn the petals or ferns. 

Refrigeration naturally removes humidity during the cooling process. But for floral when engineered right, the evaporator will be oversized with a low air fan. And the compressor condensing unit will be matched at an 8TD. 

What does this mean: The cooler may require let’s say 8000 btu’s to cool an 8’x12’- 35F degree cooler. The compressor will be 8000 btu’s, but the Evaporator will be 9000-10,000 btu’s. This will help to maintain higher humidity. 

The cooler walls, ceiling and floor must have good insulation R-value to cause less run-time on the compressor unit. 

About the humidity, in theory, during the cooling process the humidity level is going down, because the coil tubes are very cold about 25F and the moisture in the air will be drawn to it and freeze. Then while not cooling the space, water will drip off and go down the drain. Now because you keep your stems in water, we never lose too much moisture. 

And in the off time when it is not cooling and while the temperature rises, the humidity level is going up. This is why we like 4 degrees in rise before cooling back down. 

One thing to note is that the colder the refrigerator the lower the humidity. This is why topical flowers, when cooled only to 55F-60F, can easily maintain high humidity in the refrigerated space. 

When flowers are produced and sold to their final blooming place, there are many parts to consider. A seed or bulb is planted, grown, harvested, inspected and packed for shipping around the globe. Some flowers are packed in ice, but all ship in a refrigerated cargo space. Most of the time shipped first to a wholesaler and kept refrigerated. When a florist receives the product, they immediately start the next process. Strip leaves, pull thorns, cut stems and get in water. Place in cooler and be ready to create a custom and fresh new one-of-a-kind specially designed arrangement. Place back in cooler until delivery or pick up in store. 

Knowing about the integrated process of bringing flowers from planting to special occasion, we at Flot-Aire have enjoyed many decades of working with and for the florist to ensure keeping your flowers fresh. 

When your customers are happy with you, then you will be happy with us. 

Thank you, 

Wayne Lauer 

Flot-Aire Refrigerators

Flot Aire

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GotFlowers: Cloud Based Solution for Retail Florists https://floristsreview.com/gotflowers-cloud-based-solution-for-retail-florists/ Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:42:01 +0000 https://floristsreview.com/?p=886363 GotFlowers is a complete workflow solution  to manage operations for a retail florist with increased revenue and reduced costs.  This is accomplished through the use of our powerful cloud-based, easy-to-use service and companion mobile Apps that solve most of the administrative, operational and business issues faced by retail florists.

Full Article Here

Source: GotFlowers

Is GotFlowers a better solution for your retail floral business as compared to Shopify?

When it comes to establishing your retail florist business, GotFlowers excels beyond conventional e-commerce platforms such as Shopify. It presents a robust and specialized solution tailored to the unique demands of the floral industry. Crafted as an all-encompassing platform, GotFlowers has been thoughtfully engineered to deliver a comprehensive range of features, effectively eliminating the necessity for relying on third-party applications.

Say goodbye to the hassle of hunting down various third-party apps and piecing together a solution to address your specific needs. With GotFlowers, you’ll find everything you require seamlessly integrated into one powerful platform.

What sets GotFlowers apart from competitors is its extraordinary attention to detail. You can effortlessly establish pick-up and delivery time slots, set business rules for timed deliveries, and stipulate distance-based delivery fees. GotFlowers allows you to set unique attributes for the availability of your products, ensuring that your business remains profitable. The platform takes care of everything so you can focus on what matters – your business.

In contrast, while Shopify is indeed an exceptional platform for self-service e-commerce, it requires you to piece together the functionality from an array of different apps. The process of finding the right applications, integrating them, and continually checking for updates can be time-consuming and distracting from your primary business of being a retail florist. Additionally, any changes in code by a single app developer could necessitate a revalidation of the integration, which is a significant drain on your resources and may even require the intervention of a third-party agency.

Moreover, GotFlowers stands out by providing a unified workflow. Whether you’re selling your products through a website, over the phone, or in-person, GotFlowers has got you covered. This eliminates the need for additional components to support telephone and walk-in orders, making GotFlowers the clear winner when it comes to an all-in-one solution for your retail florist business. In addition to a superior web presence, you can process any order through design and delivery with  ease. 

So why wait? Come and experience why GotFlowers is the superior choice over Shopify and other traditional e-commerce solutions.

Get all the functionality you need:

  • Unlock all the essential functionality for operating your retail floral gift store effortlessly!
  • Effortlessly schedule pickup and delivery time slots while applying dynamic delivery fees based on order value, distance, zones, and rush options.
  • Kickstart your sales today with the ability to offer same-day selling and delivery services!

Experience the convenience and profitability of a platform designed just for you, and elevate your retail florist business to the next level. 

GotFlowers enables you to streamline and centralize the following offerings all within a single website:

  1. Retail floral arrangements
  2. Giftware
  3. Classes and Workshops
  4. Wedding & Event Portfolio
  5. Subscription services

Request a Demo

All About Us

gotFlowers? improves profitability of the floral and gift industries by exploiting contemporary web, search and social media tools. Based in Silicon Valley, we worked closely with local florists to understand the challenges faced by brick-and-mortar florists. The result is a complete workflow solution  to manage operations for a retail florist with increased revenue and reduced costs.  This is accomplished through the use of our powerful cloud-based, easy-to-use service and companion mobile Apps that solve most of the administrative, operational and business issues faced by retail florists.

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