Florists Deliver Beauty Coast To Coast
Florists are in the business of beauty
Florists are in the business of beauty. Anyone who has visited a thriving flower shop is immediately greeted with the fragrance of fresh blossoms, and the bright colors of the bouquets and arrangements. Giving flowers to someone special immediately cheers up a gloomy day. They have a positive effect on most people, and add a touch of class to any event just by being there. We associate certain holidays with floral delivery, and often send flowers to comfort someone who has experienced a loss.
Most of us live near a retail flower shop. Large cities are often home to a long list of stores providing a wide range of floral services. There are basically two types of florists, including those who simply display and sell cut flowers, and those who arrange and deliver them. The old-fashioned floral stand, or "bucket" shop, provides a constant supply of the freshest seasonal blossoms at the lowest prices. They rely on rapid turnover of their product, and are great for picking up a bunch of flowers to take to a dinner party.
The other type of retail shop takes things a step further. They not only sell simple wrapped bouquets, but their emphasis is on creating and delivering floral displays for special occasions such as holidays, birthdays, weddings, and funerals. Usually they employ knowledgeable and talented designers capable of creating original and attractive arrangements. They may be members of worldwide flower delivery service, and can send flowers practically anywhere.
This business has gone through many changes since its origins during late 19th century. While there are no official records as to who really opened the first retail flower shop in the United States, the Society of American Florists was formed in 1884. Shortly after that time a group of florists banded together to form an organization dedicated to developing and standardizing flower orders on a national basis. Prior to that time, people sending flowers relied on trains or the mail. This new group relayed orders to shops in various cities via telegraph, and coined the term "flowers by wire".
That original idea was immediately picked up, and several new wire services emerged to compete for the coast to coast delivery market. They developed a complex system of flower merchants who exchanged orders with other members. Most relied on a catalog of seasonal flowers with suggested prices, and customers would choose something from the photographs. The sending florist would receive a percentage of the cost, and the receiving florist would also be paid for his work. Although many changes have occurred with time, this is still the basic foundation for these networks.
During the 1970s the industry rapidly expanded. Former sixties flower children spurred a growth in sales of indoor green plants and accessories. Retail shops grew rapidly in number, and reached a peak during the the 1980s before slowing. Part of this slowdown was the result of the proliferation of non-traditional floral outlets such as grocery stores. Some old-school retailers kept waiting for that bubble to burst, but were disappointed. Mega-store floral outlets have kept on growing, stimulated by higher profit margins.
Another factor affecting florists was the the rapid expansion of imported flowers of all kinds. Most flowers sold in the United States used to be grown locally, with regions such as southern California leading the way. When the costs of running a greenhouse skyrocketed due to inflated energy expenses, many growers were unable to maintain profitability. It became cheaper to fly in a fresh product from South America or Europe on a daily basis, driving many growers out of business.
In spite of these factors, the floral business continues to thrive today. Twenty-first century florists now rely on computers now instead of telegraphs. Flower delivery remains at the core of these enterprises, and is still popular in spite of high gasoline prices. There will always be occasions that demand the artistry and expertise that only your professional florist can provide. In the end, no one really needs an excuse to enjoy the fragrance and beauty of fresh flowers.
by: Adriana Noton
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