Florists striving to meet demand with limited supplies and labor.
Those ordering flowers for their loved ones for Valentine’s Day likely are asking for colors rather than specific flowers this year because, like many businesses, flower shops are having trouble getting products and supplies.
Rakini Chinery, owner of Allan’s Flowers in Prescott, says flowers are more limited now than in the past and suggests customers look at the website before ordering to see what’s available. For sweethearts planning for Valentine’s Day gifts, the rule is to order flowers sooner rather than later with supply and workforce shortages.
“It’s difficult to find and hire floral designers,” she said.
Although roses remain the most popular flower for Valentine’s Day, Chinery strives to have a mix of the freshest flowers. “We try to use flowers from the small farms when we can in the spring and summer. The majority of our flowers come from South America.”
During the pandemic, business has been strong for florists. “People couldn’t travel to see loved ones, so they would send them flowers to let them know they were thinking of them,” said Chinery.
The average order for Valentine’s Day, Chinery said, is $120. Some orders go as high as $260. However, flowers can be purchased for as low as $20, as Allan’s Flowers tries to work with all budgets. “We have a wide variety and we don’t like to turn anybody away.”
Chinery started working at the flower shop in 1989 and bought the business in 1999. Allan’s Flowers first opened in 1914.
Echoing Chinery’s advice about ordering early is Kelly Tulloss, co-owner of Sutcliffe Floral in Flagstaff. She says her customers love a Designer’s Choice Wildflower Bouquet, which usually includes sunflowers and blue delphinium, but notes a worldwide flower shortage.
“Valentine’s Day is on Monday, Feb 14. Mondays are the craziest for us because a lot of guys forget over the weekend,” she said. “Then, Monday morning comes around and they are desperate, so shop early.”
During the pandemic, Sutcliffe Floral kept delivering daily orders, especially for weddings and funerals. “Being as careful as possible, we were able to remain open and still deliver beautiful flowers to people in their homes and for life events,” she said.
For Valentine’s Day, an average order at Sutcliffe Floral is around $150. A minimum order is a $65 bouquet.
“We try to make sure everyone can afford and enjoy sending flowers,” she said. “Flowers are sent to loved ones through the circle of life, whether it is for a new baby being born, a birthday, an anniversary, a new job, dating, getting married or a loved one passing away. We get to be a part of people’s lives in this community and we strive to make that event more special with flowers.”
Sutcliffe Floral opened in 1944. Tulloss purchased the flower shop in 2005.
Meanwhile, Sedona Mountain High Flowers is serving the Verde Valley, including Sedona, Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Cornville, Rimrock and Camp Verde. Owner Martha Aaron says she has something for everyone, from garden blooms to stylized tropicals and red roses. The flower shop is also seeing a trend of unique blooms like protea and succulents.
Through the pandemic, Aaron says her business was able to move quickly and adjust to new business procedures following CDC and Sedona Safe Clean Ready protocols to keep employees and clients safe and healthy while remaining open.
“Being able to have non-contact delivery options allowed us to keep spreading cheer and bringing love and joy to our clients during such an uncertain time. Flowers and plants are a gift like no other. They help lift the spirits and bring nature inside.”
Sedona Mountain High Flowers has been able to grow its customer base during the past year while continuing to serve loyal clients. “We have many repeat customers and we value them dearly,” she said. “In this day of online shopping and instant ordering, customer service and fresh flowers are our top priorities.”
She says Valentine’s Day orders average around $100. “What sets us apart is our talented, award-winning and certified designers, who are true artists, as well as our focus on great customer service, large selection of fresh flowers and house plants and gourmet gift basket options.”
Aaron found her passion for floral design as a teen in high school. “With thousands of different varieties and colors, there are endless possibilities when it comes to floral design and creating true works of art.”
Sedona Mountain High Flowers opened in 1998. Aaron became owner in 2017. The shop’s motto is: fresh, local, inspired. QCBN
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
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