Article Presented by:
Wesley Berry, AAF
Halloween is just around the corner and you're thinking gruesome costumes, haunted houses, ghosts, black cats, witches, bats, and...flowers! What's that you say? You're NOT thinking about flowers for Halloween? Your florist is and you should be, too!
While it may not seem that flowers and Halloween exactly go petal in...uh...claw, there really are so many ways flowers can be used as part of your Halloween celebration, and even if you don't see it yet, many florists do. So just what are florists doing for Halloween? Well, according to a 2005 survey of florists conducted by the Society of American Florists (SAF), some florists are beginning to do quite a bit!
When asked how they're promoting flowers for the holiday, 78 percent of florists indicated they're decorating their windows and setting up Halloween-themed window displays and 75 percent are setting up indoor displays. Many are also sending promotional mailings (47 percent) or hanging signs outside their shops (41 percent). So, it's pretty likely that when you visit your florist this Halloween, you'll be able to view some really great ideas that are sure to give you chills-the good kind! And, while you're checking out the displays, be sure to ask your florist if he or she is offering any Halloween specials, because the survey showed that 37 percent of florists do!
Among the items that might be on special for Halloween are sure to be last years big sellers. Florists indicated that the best seller in the Halloween season was, of course, fresh flowers with 58 percent of respondents stating it was their top item. 23 percent sold mostly non-floral giftware, and 14 percent sold outdoor bedding and garden plants (the fall is a great time to think about planting hardy mums!).
But, the best sellers aren't the only items that will be available through your florist. The survey showed that some florists also offered costume items, indoor and outdoor decorations, candles, crafts, candy, pumpkins, balloons, gourds, party goods, cards, and stickers.
If the great Halloween items available from your florist aren't enough to lure you in, some florists also get into the "spirit" of things with special in-store events, like open houses, contests, and costumed employees. Although the fun of Halloween might last for just one day, don't worry about having to squeeze a stop at the flower shop into just a few hours. 93 percent of florists are open regular business hours on Halloween!
About the Author:
Wesley Berry is member of the American Academy of Floriculture (AAF) and President of Wesley Berry Flowers, a successful multi-million dollar floral business that was established in 1946. As a member of the Henry Ford Hospital Community Relation Board he has contributed to the community at large. He owns both a brick and mortar and an internet flower delivery business. Visit Wesley Berry Flowerson the web at www.800wesleys.com.
