A Wonderful Career - 2012 is proving to be quite a wonderful year for those of us in the flower business. At last, we are returning to better sales days. Looking back, the improving trend began in 2011. Thanksgiving and Christmas both brought increased sales to most florists. What a wonderful way to end the year! Valentine's Day 2012 brought more strong sales reports. Many designers noted that they sold out and had to bring in more fresh flowers to complete filling their orders. That is music to my ears! From all the buzz, Mother's Day promises to follow the trend and result in strong floral sales. As a fellow business owner, I can say, "Whew! Glad to see this happening!”
With all the sales, of course shop owners need employees. At FDI, we just completed our employment statistic reports and the results echo what we are seeing in the marketplace. 87% of our grads obtain employment or begin their entrepreneurial plans within 3 weeks of graduation. Congratulations to all of you! According to the Department of Labor and Industry, employment growth should continue with modest increases. No, there is not going to be a glut of jobs but yes, job growth will continue in the flower world.
If you are an industry watcher, you know the flower world has changed. There are such extremes with no middle ground. The large mass markets are thriving. Good news for our grads - these jobs often provide nice wages with full benefit packages. On the other end of the spectrum, the small, service focused business is also thriving. Here, our grads experience creative freedom that makes their soul sing. In the middle, the traditional florist is forced to adapt and reorganize to fit the new business models...or they will disappear. That is scary! Sales are up, more jobs; more people loving flowers but still, being a florist in business is certainly not easy. The world of flower sales is changing at a rapid pace and it can be hard to keep up.
Where is the growth; mass market and boutique florists. You can also see growth by category. #1 is self purchase - grabbing that bundle of tulips to take home and brighten the dining table. #2 is weddings - there are more brides than ever before. Some days, I wonder just where they all come from! #3 and following close on the footsteps of wedding (soon to overtake) is the sympathy category. Sad to say, we are all getting older and that will lead to the need for more funeral flowers.
If you are looking to begin a floral career today, the news is good. Yes, there are jobs. But....there is always a “but”....you need to position yourself well for success. Education is vital and skills in the growth areas will be required. Can you "throw together" that quick bouquet? Can you create a fabulous bridal bouquet? Do you know funeral flower delivery etiquette? You need to know it all and have the skills to communicate as well; building relationships and growing your floral career. (MORE BLOGS)