Area florists report boost in annual Valentine's Day sales
20.05.12
DAYTON — Dayton-area florists are reporting boosts in sales this Valentine’s Day period over last year — and it’s a relief to a shrinking industry.
“The industry can be divided into thirds — weddings, personal purchases and funerals,” said John Wiesendanger, sales manager for Oberer’s Flowers on Troy Street. “Valentine’s Day is one of the few times of the year where you can make any money on personal purchases. It’s critical.”
Oberer’s logged about 5,700 orders for Dayton area customers this year, an increase of about 20 percent over last year, according to Wiesendanger.
Consumers on average spent more on flowers last year than in 2010 and indications are that number will rise again this year. The Society of American Florists, the only national trade association that represents all segments of the U.S. floral industry and which has about 15,000 members, estimated consumers spent $57.51 on average for Valentine’s Day at florist shops in 2010. According to Vice President of Marketing Jennifer Sparks, that number increased to $62.54 last year.
Source: Dayton Daily News