Dare To Bare
There has been a movement over the past several years to simplify. Simplify your social calendar, your living environment, and your accessories, basically everything that you are a part of. There are now publications, television programs and web sites that give you suggestions and directions on how to accomplish these tasks and make them a part of your daily living experience.
As many consumers embrace this “less is more” lifestyle, it is important to recognize the impact that will have on your business. It does not mean that you will no longer have the opportunity to share the love of flowers with them, what it really means is that you will have the opportunity to share in a different approach to their needs for accessorizing their environment.
Clean simple lines, open living environments, and lots of neutral colors with splashes of color accessories are what we are seeing more and more consumers gravitating to. Think of how much fashion is neutral and able to shift from day wear to evening wear by the use of accessories. That is the same mental framework that people are using in their living environments. So, it gives us the opportunity to sell a more sophisticated, upscale presentation for floral stylings.
For this type of clientele, they are not going to be attracted to the round mounds of yesteryear. Think clean and sophisticated and that will help get a better understanding of their needs. To attract this customer base, you will need to offer stems and stylings that are clean, elegant and do not need massive amounts of product support. This is where “Dare to Bare” comes into play.
Bare branches, seeded eucalyptus without the foliage, china berries, steel grass, and umbrella papyrus all fit into this look. Simple form flowers such as Anthurium, birds of paradise, Callas, Gerbera daisies, and ginger all fit into this collection as well. Foliages such as Flax, Monstera leaves, Fatsia, and Anthurium foliage are all complimentary to this collection. Smaller flowers like Craspedia, Freesia, Gloriosa Lilies and mini Heliconia work in smaller spaces. Keeping floral stylings simple and clean is most challenging. Knowing when to say enough is enough is one of the hardest points to accomplish. Just remember the adage of K.I.S.S. Keep It Simply Stunning!
The idea is not to sell more fluff but more substance. While these customers may maintain an appreciation for traditional flowers, it is the presentation that is changing. The traditional 12 roses arranged in a vase with leather leaf and baby’s breath has given way to 12 roses cut short and presented in a cube with minimal foliage that is of interest. Florabundance has excellent products to help you make this look happen for your customers. Check out their website for products that will work for you and your customers.
