Sales for Flower After Flower are down, but many more people are sending bouquets to each other to show they care.

Flower After Flower in Massapequa has seen sales drop overall, but more people sending each other arrangements to show they care. (Rachel Nunes/Patch) MASSAPEQUA, NY — As the coronavirus continues to sweep across New York, many businesses are still closed. Different companies are feeling the sting in different ways — some are managing to get by, while others are laying off their workforce.

Flower After Flower, a Massapequa-based florist, has managed to adapt to the crisis so far. Owned by Christine and Raymond Costanzo, the husband-and-wife duo are allowed to work together because they are also quarantined together.

Christine said that when the closures began, her business dropped off steeply. All of the parties they had reservations for — weddings, graduations, communions, proms and more — were all canceled.

“Business has really gone down,” Christine said. “But on the other hand, people are still trying to celebrate, so they’re sending something to celebrate.”

With people being kept apart, many are trying to let their loved ones know that they’re still thinking of them. And for that, Christine said many are turning to flowers.

Subscribe

This Easter was the busiest ever for the Costanzos, Christine said. “Easter was bigger than our Valentines Day,” she said. “People can’t be with each other, so they’re sending flowers to show they care.”

The florist has also seen an uptick in people sending sympathy bouquets, she said. Funeral homes are currently not allowing more than one or two bouquets at services, but many people are sending the flowers to the homes of their friends and loved ones. People are also sending more “get well” arrangements.

Christine said that she and her husband are following all CDC guidelines to keep their customers, and themselves, safe. They are only doing delivery services (the door to the florist stays locked all day, Christine said), and are dropping flowers off for customers with contactless delivery. They also make sure to wear masks and gloves when delivering arrangements.

With just the two of them working in the shop, Christine said that she and her husband have definitely keeping busy, even though sales are down. She’s expecting Mothers Day to be a huge boost for them, because so many people aren’t going to be able to get out to see their mothers.

“We’re just trekking along,” she said.