California Florists Face Price Hikes Ahead of Mother’s Day

Categories: California Business NewsCalifornia LifestyleCalifornia News

A local florist preparing for the busy Mother's Day season with a variety of fresh flowers.

News Summary

As Mother’s Day approaches, floral businesses in Long Beach and nationwide are seeing significant price increases on flowers due to tariffs on imports from Ecuador and Colombia. Local florist A Beautiful California Florist plans to open early to meet demand, but prices for bouquets have surged by around 10%, with roses now priced between $35 and $45. Many florists are considering local sourcing as a solution, though the high demand is still pressuring prices. Despite economic concerns, consumers continue to prioritize flower purchases for the occasion.

California – As Mother’s Day approaches, floral businesses in Long Beach and across the nation are grappling with price increases due to rising tariffs on imported flowers. A Beautiful California Florist, a local shop, plans to open its doors early at 5 a.m. on Mother’s Day to accommodate the increased demand. However, customers will notice that prices have risen by approximately 10% this year due to tariffs imposed by the U.S. government on imported floral goods.

The price for a standard bunch of roses has jumped from $15-$25 to between $35 and $45. This increase has been attributed directly to the current 10% tariff on flowers imported from Ecuador and Colombia, which are the primary sources of cut flowers in the U.S. Florists are experiencing fewer shipments and unpredictable supply levels, complicating their ability to meet customer demands.

Other floral businesses throughout the United States are facing similar challenges related to the rising costs of flowers. Reports indicate that consumer spending on Mother’s Day is down by 14% compared to last year, as shoppers express concern over economic factors tied to tariffs. Approximately 80% of all cut flowers sold in the country are imported, with Colombia and Ecuador being the dominant suppliers.

Price Increases and Demand Drops

Florists have observed dramatic price hikes across various flower types, with some experiencing increases as high as 100%. For example, the price for lisianthus flowers has nearly doubled, while roses have seen price increases ranging from 10% to 50%, depending on the variety. One flower shop reported that a popular arrangement raised from $100 to $125 led to a noticeable 30% drop in demand for that product.

Local Sourcing Efforts

In response to the tariff challenges, some florists are exploring local sourcing options to alleviate reliance on imported flowers. Transitioning to locally grown varieties may help reduce costs and offer customers more seasonal selections while avoiding the effects of international tariffs. However, the high demand for flowers during the Mother’s Day season continues to exert pressure on prices across the board, even in areas like Arizona.