These days a tidy shop & a selection of pretty HTs are not enough to guarantee success;

Running an independent retail business is great, but it comes with challenges — especially now, with many of us feeling the effects of a weak economy, ongoing cost of living increases and geopolitical upheaval. You’re not alone though. A 2024 survey from the ONS (Office of National Statistics) showed that more than 22% of businesses reported decreased turnover , naming financial volatility as the biggest culprit. And let’s not overlook the likes of inflation, fluctuating cons

The UK’s high streets have faced significant challenges in recent years, with 2024 seeing over 13,000 stores closing their doors for good. Rising costs, reduced financial support, and shifting consumer behaviours have created a difficult landscape for independent businesses. The pressure on small retailers shows no sign of easing, but with the right strategies, there is opportunity for growth and success. From diversifying revenue streams to leveraging technology, small retai

The costs involved in setting up a business depend on a huge variety of factors, from your location, to the originality of your product and from the state of your industry to the wider state of the economy. For aspiring shop owners, the cost to cover the first year of a retail store’s life are estimated to be, on average, around £172,000 according to research by quotemyenergy.co.uk . Because of the variables at play, it is impossible to say definitively how much it costs t

Promoting your floral business online will benefit you in the long run. Take some time and get to grips with digital marketing.

Summer can be a tricky time; business can be slow, but there are some things you can do to keep business going strong over the summer months

Every bride wants to feel special and a wedding flower consultation is your opportunity to do this,

Let’s be honest—flowers tend to steal the spotlight. Peonies, garden roses, dahlias… they’re the ones that get the “oohs” and “aahs.” But behind every dreamy centrepiece, bouquet, and ceremony arch is an unsung hero: greenery. And here’s the truth—most florists aren’t pricing it properly. In fact, some aren’t charging for it at all. If that sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone. But it’s time for a shift. Greenery pricing is often underestimated, yet it’s essential to

What is British Flowers Week?  BFW is a celebration of the UK’s cut flower industry. Since its launch in 2013 by New Covent Garden Flower...

In the world of weddings, where emotion and aesthetics converge, florists play a vital role in shaping one of the most memorable days in...

Its the end of the school year, a prime opportunity to sell houseplants as gifts for teachers. Su Whale shares her tips for attracting sales

Episode two of our eight point plan to help you create a strong and credible brand identity for your business

Over the years I have worked in many florists’ shops, all with very different business and design styles. However, the one thing that has always struck me is the strange way we approach the cost of something with customers. I can think of no other industry where a customer would be asked how much they would like to spend and yet every florists I have worked in uses this exact phrase!

Most customers will gravitate towards a plant that they like the look of, not perhaps considering its care other than the two most commonly asked questions which are also the most basic, where can I put it and how often does it need watering?  To help your customers chose, ask them a few questions in return, after all just because they like a plant, it may not be the right one for them, so how can you find the perfect match?   Firstly, find out what they want from their house

With more and more online retailers offering flower deliveries, it can be really tough to stand out in a crowded online market as an independent florist. But fear not, using Google Ads can be an effective way to help your florist website capture the attention of potential customers searching for flowers and flower deliveries online. Google Ads allows you to create ad campaigns that not only generate clicks to your florist website but also help to convert those visitors into p