When Congress passed a 2,000 plus-page bill in December to fund the federal government through the final nine months of fiscal year 2016, it was a...
February 14: Tempered Expectations
Next month, Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday — historically, a low-performing day for the holiday — and a holiday weekend. That positioning pits...
Schaffer, Kratt Dig into Trend Details for Floral Management
Trend forecasters Kristine Kratt, AIFD, PFCI, and Bill Schaffer, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, the husband and wife team behind the 2016 Flower Trends Forecast...
After a Cheery Christmas, Florists Worry about Valentine’s Day Drop
More than half of florists say 2015 December holiday sales were higher than 2014 returns. Among the 54 percent who saw an uptick, the increase was...
WF&FSA President Talks Challenges, Successes and Industry Shifts
“We’re still here.” When Rob Shibata assumed the presidency of the Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association on Oct. 22, he returned...
Obituary: Industry Pioneers and Hall of Fame Winners Pass Away
During the holidays, two floral industry members who pioneered new ideas and products — and received the industry’s highest honor, induction into...
Consumers Reward Businesses That Make Shopping Simple
Fast and easy — these are must-have qualities for customers accustomed to instant video streaming and free two-day delivery. The most successful...
Trade Magazine Highlights Work of Ohio State Ornamental Plant Research
An important research center that the Society of American Florists helped found has received positive press in a popular trade magazine. In the...
In New Hallmark Mystery Movie, Brooke Shields Takes on the Role of Florist
Ever think the everyday dramas, heartaches and disagreements of your shop could be the stuff of the big screen — or at least some can’t-miss TV?...
Arizona Flower Market Gives Away Roses in Exchange for Toys and Food Donations
Arizona Flower Market held a Christmas food and toy drive to support The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix, Arizona. Patrons could donate a...
California Growers Push for More Local Flowers in Rose Parade
In California, a coordinated effort is underway to encourage a 125-year-old American tradition to include more homegrown flowers. More than 80...
At Year’s End, the Floral Industry Sees Results in Washington
Another year, another standstill in Washington, D.C.? Not by a long shot. It may seem like nothing ever gets done in Washington. In their own lives,...
Ecke Family Celebrated with a Museum Exhibit
The story of how poinsettias moved from a relatively obscure plant to a top-selling Christmas gift is currently being told — through rare family...
SAF Members Cash in on Vehicle Savings
It was a fall filled with savings for many Society of American Florists members: Through a new partnership with FCA US LLC (formerly Chrysler Group...
In Wake of Shooting, Expert Weighs in on Identifying Threats
In the wake of high-profile examples of workplace violence — including the Dec. 2 shooting in San Bernardino and the shooting on live TV of two...