The other busy season is almost upon florists again yet many may not even know it. We’re not talking about the Christmas through Mother’s Day rush that keeps us busy in the spring – this is autumn! Here are some tips on how to market your flower shop for fall!
Are you showing off your Fall florals on the home page of your website?
The season that sends many potential customers rushing to big box stores, hardware stores, and even greenhouses when they should be rushing to your flower shop. This is an important three-month decorating season that florists have much to offer to. Below are some tips to make sure you’re taking advantage of the autumn sales that should be yours. Be sure to read them over and leave us some tips of your own in the comment section.
Flower Shops Can Offer More
Many people think of florists as a spot for gifts, special occasions, and indoor arrangements, but flower shops can offer so much more. Florists offer unique inventory that your customers won’t find and a generic home improvement shop. Your customers need to understand that your shop offers hand-crafted specialty items that will stand out from the cookie-cutter décor that many settle for.
Wreaths, table top gardens, entry pieces, and centerpieces are just a few of the opportunities that florists have to show off their craft and give your customers stunning new looks to experiment with. Don’t be afraid to emphasize that your small, local-owned flower shop is the place for your customers to shop. Shopping locally or shopping small is very popular at the moment (Small Business Saturday is just around the corner!).
What to stock for your flower shop
Fall occupies a special place in many people’s hearts, so be sure to stock something special and seasonal for them! In addition to all of the materials needed for the items above, don’t be afraid to compete for outdoor space! Must stock fall products include hay bales, corn stalks, scarecrows, pumpkins and mini pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, fall door wreaths etc. There’s no reason to lose out to franchised hardware store for sales your shop could easily make.
Show your store off
Let potential customers know that your flower shop should be their one stop shop for fall decorating before they even pull into the parking lot. An eye-catching outdoor display in front of your flower shop will show people that you have exciting fall décor to offer. A fall window will give you a chance to show off your technical skills and draw in passersby.
Of course, now days your digital storefront has nearly as much impact as your actual storefront. On your website, be sure to show off your fall product category with new banners, products, or even backgrounds. If you’re already active on social media, now is a good time to begin teasing your customers with shots of new inventory as well as new fall designs.
Another way to go about this is to show off the fall items you have in stock each week or 2 on your blog, website, or favorite social media platforms. Your customers will appreciate the inside look at your business with these “What’s Fresh this Week” style posts. Shops that have been diligent in collecting customer emails will have an extra step up with the ability to send out email marketing and maybe even a coupon to promote decorating services and fall products.
Is your flower shop making the most of the Fall season?
Given all the advantages of shopping with a florist for fall décor, it’s surprising how many flower shops are missing out. Following the steps above will help ensure your business is capturing as much fall business as possible over the three month season. How does your shop rank? Let us know what creative ideas you’ve put in place to keep customers coming back to you as their one-stop-fall-shop.
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spot on the importance of outdoor and digital display. We sell pumpkins here just for the show outside. We bring in a few hundred pumpkins and sell them close to cost. A few hundred dollars for 6 weeks of outdoor display where we get most of our $ back.
Something else important is to show ” seasonal” rather than Thanksgiving or Christmas items.. ex..give people wreaths that can start as a fall wreath and be changed or added to to become specific for Thanksgiving or Christmas. They will love the fact that you are being considerate of their spending and tell others. Also tell about related pieces that would “go” with their purchase to be used elsewhere in the house or together for greater impact. Always inquire as to if there is someone who they would like something delivered to so as to make things easier for them. It is also a good idea to let them know of special flowers or items you will be getting in in the future…and get a phone number or e-mail to contact them when whatever they are interested in arrives…but you must be sure to follow up! Quality and service is what it is all about!!! That is what will keep customers coming back to you even though the box stores may be more convenient. Good luck…and let the customer know why a local florist is better than most other options. Betsy Grafe Grafe Studio Floral Artists…Chattanooga, Tn flowersmakeyouhappy.com
thank you for your advice