Fall in All

October is a busy month for most retail florists. With the weather finally breaking and cooling down in most parts of the country, October brings out the “Fall in All”! Many civic and religious organizations have pancake breakfast fund raisers, yard sales, and lots of craft fairs. Along with that the high schools play their traditional Homecoming football game. While the activities vary from school to school, many still maintain the Saturday night Homecoming Dance. Hopefully your market area still reaches out to those who are attending and stress the importance for personal flowers to be worn to the dance.

While they may not be quite as elaborate as spring prom dances, homecoming still is a great market to hang on to as it provides great cash infusion still in recovery from a long hot, slow summer. Most of the sales at this event are cash sales, so there is very little in house billing which helps keeps the cash flowing. Also, there is not as much outside competition such as photographers, limousines, and expensive restaurants. It is a more relaxed evening for everyone involved.

Keep in mind that personal flowers have evolved over the last 5 to 7 years in most areas. Gone are the 5 sweetheart roses and baby’s breath on an elastic wristband. While there is nothing wrong with any on those flowers, think GenY young! Fun and Funky are what many of today’s young generation are wearing for dresses and suits are being accompanied with wild and vibrant ties. Take a field trip to the mall where your customers shop to get the idea of what the young ladies are wearing. This will help your sales staff make upscale and more hip suggestions. While colors may have changed in your area, the one thing that is consistent from last year is the “bling” that makes each floral presentation more personal. Bracelets have replaced the elastic wristlets of yester-year. Cuffs, arm bands, floral jewelry have all become more in vogue as magazines are showing these more upscale presentations on their models. Keep in mind that more simple stylings do not necessarily mean less money. Often the opposite is true depending on the type of flowers and accessories that are chosen.

Keep a good selection of appropriate personal flowers in stock during this time of year so your younger clients can see them close up and personal. This may be the first time of making a floral purchase, so treat them wonderfully as they are your future clients for proms, weddings and lifetime customers.  A cooler of Red Bull or Monster Energy drinks to choose from makes the selection process a little more fun for them. Who knows, it may actually speed up the selection process! Be sure and get their E-mail address and Facebook information for future marketing promotions. One of the best things you can do is to take a photo of their finished floral design and send it to them on Facebook. Your work will be out all over to all their friends in a matter of minutes. Be ready for those last minute requests from all her envious friends!