Local florists prepare for Valentine’s Day rush, inflation and supply chain impacts still lingering
SALISBURY, Md. – Valentine’s Day is pretty much the Super Bowl for florists and local shops are preparing for the big bloom. “This is a really busy time of year for us. We do end up hiring a lot of seasonal drivers, lots of seasonal sale associates, our phone volume goes up,” Messer said.
Kitty’s Flowers in Salisbury is kicking things into high gear for their 73rd Valentine’s Day. With the cost of just about everything going up, Sales Manager Shai Messer says customers can expect to pay a little more this year to keep things rosy. “That’s kind of a supply and demand issue with the growers because they do charge more,” Messer said.
“We will have budget friendly options for everybody. We know flowers are going to go up in cost, so we definitely try to accommodate everyone and provide options at every price point.”
Sonya’s Floral Boutique in Salisbury has also made price adjustments, but Owner Sonya Trader says that isn’t their only thorn. “Costing of shipping, cost of getting it here, and costing of handling have all gone up,” Trader said.
“I noticed the other day when I went to order something I usually get that’s it gone up $2 a bunch more. Well, that’s just my cost.”
In an effort to reinvent the wheel, Trader says they ordered flowers as early as November in preparation for their busiest day of the year.
As time rolls down, she advises customers to order early. “You get something you know you want instead of hearing ‘oh my god sorry we’re out.’ You get it ahead you know you’re going to get it,” Trader said.
Buying or receiving flowers on Valentine’s Day isn’t a new thing, so what’s the secret behind why the gesture remains so popular? Those we spoke with say it’s simple, a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. “It’s just one of those traditions that’s tried and true and it really does make peoples day,” Messer said.
Sonya’s Floral Boutique tells us supply chain issues have forced them to make the difficult decision to stop selling certain products due to availability.
Due to those rising costs, both shops are offering budget friendly specials to help customers.
They’re each accepting online orders now.
To find out more about Sonya’s Floral Boutique, click here
To findd out more about Kitty’s Flowers, click here
