JOHOR BARU: It is a hectic time for florists, who are rushing to fulfil orders for Valentine’s Day and the coming Chinese New Year.
Some said sales for today’s event to honour love and affection were slower compared with previously, but demand for blooms for the Chinese New Year has been encouraging.
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Michael Ng, a nursery operator in Permas Jaya, said demand for red roses, which are synonymous with Valentine’s Day, had reduced this year.
He said it could be because Chinese New Year is just a few days away.
“Many of my customers are not celebrating Valentine’s Day, as they have started travelling back to their hometowns for the festive period.
“There has been a 30% drop in sales for Valentine’s Day,” he said.
Ng said the good thing was a 10% rise in sales for the Chinese New Year, with Singaporean customers coming too.
“We recently brought in the ‘fortune’ apple tree from China, which has become a popular plant this Chinese New Year, as it is believed to bring good fortune,” he said.
Florist Jun Lim said some florists were in a dilemma, as they were unsure whether to focus on Valentine’s Day or Chinese New Year sales.
“We have limited space in our shop, so we can only have a certain amount of flowers at a time.
“Sales prior to Valentine’s Day have been slow, but they may spike on the day itself, as many tend to buy flowers at the last minute.
“So I am not sure if I should order more roses or bring in more plants for Chinese New Year,” she added.
Lim said that sales for Valentine’s Day were often better if the occasion fell on a weekday rather than a weekend.
“This year, offices are mostly closed on Valentine’s Day, being a weekend.
“It is not likely for the flowers to be delivered on Monday, as most would have already returned to their hometowns for the Chinese New Year,” she said.
