LOUISVILLE, Ky. — With Easter, prom, Mother’s Day, and the Kentucky Derby all on the table, spring is busy season for Kentucky’s florists.
What You Need To Know
- Spring is busy season for florists
- One local florist saw a 40% drop in sales last spring
- Businesses have seen an increase in orders for everyday celebrations, like birthdays
- Plant sales also jumped as more people worked from home
Last year, sales slowed as the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of gatherings and weddings, but business has turned around, florists told Spectrum News Thursday.
Nanz & Kraft Florists in Louisville saw sales drop 40% from March through May 2020, said co-owner Eddie Kraft.
"It was three of the slowest months I can ever remember," he said. "Prom last year was nonexistent. It did not happen."
By June, customers found other ways to stay connected with loved ones.
"People decided, 'OK, I should send flowers, find some way to brighten someone’s day,' so we’ve gained a lot of new customers from that and they’ve stayed with us over the year," said Kraft's daughter, Lydia, who was assembling a bouquet of red roses Thursday.
With some events on hold over the last few months, the business saw a 20% jump in plant sales, Kraft said.
"Plant sales for us have been fabulous because so many people are working from home, and people are decorating their home, decorating their office,” he said.
On Thursday, employees were preparing some of the close to 200 orders for delivery, including Easter lilies and a popular "Blooming Bunny" arrangement with fluffy white football mums, ears, and a bunny tail.
"Things have been pretty smooth and pretty solid," Kraft said. "There are going to be some proms, the weddings are getting back into gear, and people are still sending flowers."
Belmar Floral Events in Louisville also saw sales for everyday celebrations like birthdays increase as other events were on hold, according to Robbie Gibson, the shop's manager.
"The everyday stuff has just picked up dramatically for us," he said. "When you go back and look at sales for us, we’re doing quite well in that respect and it’s just a different business model. It's just more everyday work."
The shop expanded its online presence and adopted different hours, he said.
The business was preparing orders for a wedding this weekend a sign that change is on the way.
"Things are definitely recovering and business has changed, so we've had to adapt just like any other business."