Gift Basket Business Blog

Learning From Retail Florists

March 28th, 2006 at 05:33pm Lorie Obernauer

If you’ve checked out the “About Us” page of this blog, you’ll already know that I’m also in the wholesale floral supply business in addition to the gourmet gift food business. I see a lot of similiarites between the two businesses and there’s lots that I learn in one that can be applied to the other.

So let’s consider what you might be able to learn from retail florists.

• Florists were selling fruit baskets long before gourmet food baskets became a popular gift. These days, florists share a sizable chunk of the total sales recorded by those in the gift basket industry.
• Florists use a lot of the same products that are used by gift basket packers. There are the obvious items that overlap: for example, wicker baskets. But maybe you’re not aware of some great products that have been introduced in the floral market that can enhance your designs as well. In Gift Basket Review magazine, I often see design tips and techniques that utilize products originally introduced in the floral industry. By learning about and using these products, you may be able to create designs that stand apart from your competitors.
• Due to the similar nature of floral and gift basket businesses (we’re all about selling gifts), you can benefit from many ideas about how floral businesses “make it work”. Flowers & Magazine, has a feature each month called “Shop Profile”. A specific floral shop is recognized for it’s successes. Often, there are great ideas for display and merchandising or a description of a shop’s exemplary customer service program. These ideas can be easily adjusted to fit the needs of your gift basket business.

Keep your eye out for more articles about floral products that you can learn to use and make your baskets even better. You’ll be able to see these products at Apex Gift Foods. Also, check out Flowers & Magazine and Florist Review Magazine to see what you can learn from your local florist.

In an upcoming post, I’ll suggest some ways you might work with a florist in your community to secure new business for both of you!

Entry Filed under: Business Tips, Gift Basket Supplies