The National Retail Federation says Americans plan to spend more than $28 billion for Mother’s Day. That’s $1.4 billion more than last year.
NRF also says, 68 percent of people it surveyed plan on buying their mother’s flowers.
Those extra bouquets and arrangements might end up costing customers more this year.
Steve Smith, the owner of The Flowerman, said 70 percent of his flowers come from South America.
He explained, COIVD-19 caused a shortage, because some flower farms went out of business. Then, the pandemic drove up demand 30 to 50 percent.
“We have had trouble,” Smith said.
However, through connections, his Centerville shop has been able to find the flowers he needs.
Other Miami Valley florists are also hearing about concerns.
“There’s a lot of word in the community that there’s a flower shortage across the country, but we were able to get everything we needed for the holiday,” Jeanna Furst, Furst Florist’s general manager said.
All three florists News Center 7 checked with are having good years for business.
“Our customers seem to want it more and more and more,” Keith Fields, Oberer’s Flowers’ vice president said.
For now, Smith said the issues abroad won’t cause him to charge more.
“I know that it’s coming. I’ve asked some of the growers, ‘how much?’ And they really don’t know. We’re waiting for the first one to make the move to raise the pricing,” Smith said.
However, he has noticed other sellers in the Miami Valley already have increased their prices.
“I don’t know if you have any choice sometimes,” Smith said.
He explained, people might have a hard time finding roses and hydrangeas this year due to the shortages.
Cox Media Group
