Finding it increasingly tough to compete against discount flower sellers many florists have turned to giftware as a way to supplement their offerings. There are a wide array of “gifts” that make a great accompaniment to a bouquet of flowers. Floral themed gifts, such as tote bags or jewelry, are popular, as are items that are traditionally paired with flowers, such as chocolates, candles, or cards.
Experts offer the following tips for florists who are considering branching into giftware:
- be sure to check out a few shows each year to stay current on trends.
- before you decided to carry a certain product line, ask your supplier if they sell to anyone else in your area. This will help you know if what you are carrying can be easily found elsewhere by your customers.
- be creative in your product displays and don’t forget to showcase your main product - flowers- by incorporating arrangements where possible.
There are many different gift shows held throughout the year - some are themed around a holiday or season, while others cater primarily to a certain area of the country (e.g. coastal areas).
Be sure to check the FloristWare floral industry resoure guide often for gift show listings in your area!