I once spent almost two hours on the phone explaining changes in retail floristry to Bryan Keogh (now with Bloomberg News) who was writing an article about order gatherers and the floral industry. He expressed frustration that in trying to order flowers via the internet one had trouble locating a real physical flower shop that could be reached in person for personal service.
In the US there are about 15,000 traditional retail florists, but more than 30,000 independent floral design companies, and an ever growing unquantifiable number of businesses that sell raw cut flowers. All offer a varying range of products, services, expertise, quality, and price ranges. There is no standardization in the floral industry. It is made up of artistic people who can create their business within any structure they choose.
Some Floral Retailers are:
- Progressive Florists — Storefronts focusing on all occasion design & delivery, cash & carry, full service floristry
- Independent Design Practices — Individual Freelance Designers, Cottage Shops, Boutique Stores, or Large Event Decorating Companies working from studios or warehouses and operating by appointment only with a focus on consultation and full service project to project events
- Raw Goods & Bucket Shops — Mass Merchants, Super Markets, Big Box Companies, Street Vendors, and Internet Providers with a focus on "retail/wholesale" to the consumer of raw floral product - bundles, bunches, & bouquets
- Concept Stores — Franchises, Multi Stores, "Businesses in a Box" offering various levels of products and services with a focus on consistency and continuity of customer experience
When you search for flowers via the internet you usually have to sift through a barrage of brokerage or "order gatherer" sites (offering the same "cookie cutter" designs) because they launch aggressive search engine advertising campaigns. That's not a problem if you simply want flowers sent to someone. But if you want to find a floral professional for a special need or specific request most order gatherer directories don't offer you the direct contact information for the floral provider.
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Locate A Flower Handler
You can locate a Flower Handler by State or by Name.
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Many exciting well qualified floral businesses don't even belong to other directories because they do not fit the criteria. The My Flowerhandlers Rolodex is open to all types of floral retailer - those who sell raw flowers, those who specialize in design and delivery, those who focus on weddings, events, or tributary flowers, and those who teach, present, or share their skills, talents, and services in very unique ways with their clients and communities. Our icons quickly separate the services provided by each member. And the rolodex is designed for you to contact the listed member directly.
We are just a listing agent — a liaison - not an order gatherer. We don't have anything to do with your transaction nor do we take a commission from your transaction. Each vendor and consumer is responsible for the relationship they create with one another. We simply want you to find the right floral vendor for your needs when you are searching.
Enjoy Your Floral Journey and,
May Your Life be Touched with the Beauty and Wonder of Flowers.
Dottie Harrigan
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