1.) BOPIS (Buy Online, Pick Up In Store) Continues to Accelerate There is no doubt that the COVID

lockdowns forced many floral retailers to interact with customers in ways they never imagined or even wished to interact with. While most retail florists have websites, few, if any, websites were capable of offering pick-up or curbside options in the checkout process. Curbside options within one’s POS system are a must in today’s consumer market. Shoppers do not want to give up conveniences that they have grown accustomed to during the lockdowns.

The reality is that everyone learned to adapt last year to a new way of doing business, and now, lo and behold, many shops are looking to build upon this new way of doing business. “We want this to continue way beyond COVID” says Carma White, owner of Four Seasons Flowers in San Diego, Calif. The company started offering curb- side pick-up and finds that it is still a popular option.

2.) Rethink the In-store and Online Customer Experience As COVID restrictions lift in

various parts of the country, retailers should keep in mind key considerations from customers. As the use of digital shopping technologies by consumers accelerates, it may be time to rethink the in-store and online customer experience and engagement.

People are tired of staying at home, and what better way to kick off a store “re- opening” than to hold an in-person DIY flower class for all your best customers? Get them into the store and let them engage with your staff so they know you are ready to handle any flower needs they have. The experience economy will be back bigger and better than ever now, and shoppers are looking for a human touch to interact with retailers, be it a flower class, cooking class, yoga class or wine-tasting class.

 5.) Consumers will pay for faster delivery

of in-person visits. Many flower retailers saw record sales after Mother’s Day in 2020. Today, many consumers are willing to pay a premium to have their floral gifts delivered even faster, but most retailers are still charging only a flat rate for “anytime” same-day delivery. That just doesn’t cut it anymore in the world of Uber Eats, DoorDash and Postmates. Consumers expect faster delivery options everywhere they go, and they are willing to pay for it.

In a recent consumer survey, close to one-third (30 percent) of respondents said they would pay more for same-day deliveries. The survey also indicates that many consumers are open to new delivery technologies, with 45 percent of respondents saying they are open to seeing drones used for last-mile delivery. In a recent consumer survey, close to one-third (30 percent) of respondents said they would pay more for same-day deliveries. The survey also indicates that many consumers are open to new delivery technologies, with 45 percent of respondents saying they are open to seeing drones used for last-mile delivery. Floral design by Saco Sarkissian; Petals LA; Glendale, Caelvif. Evolving rapidly, and it will be only a matter of time before it becomes a viable option for small retailers. Whether by drone or sidewalk robots, autonomous delivery options are here to stay for last-mile delivery. Whole Foods Market, owned by Amazon, is now offering free two-hour delivery in many major markets nationwide, and the service is not limited to just food items. We tested it ourselves in May by sending a wonderful cake and flowers for a co-worker’s birthday. The delivery completed without a hitch, and the recipient was quite pleased with the product, both the food and the flowers. It is only a matter of time before Whole Foods gets better at this and starts offering gift cards and even gift wrapping, in many cases, for a small fee. Don’t underestimate the power of major retailers such as grocery chains to get better and better at “hyper” local delivery services. People are demanding it, and major retailers are investing in it

A recent study supports this trend observed by White, the results of which show that 56 percent of consumers are actively supporting neighborhood stores or buying more locally sourced products, with 79 percent and 84 percent, respectively, planning to continue this behavior into the longer term.

7.) Trade Shows Are Back On

Most of the flower trade shows and conventions that were canceled last year are now stacking up for the fall and starting to overlap, in some cases. As we go to press, the situation in Bogotá, Colombia (home to the biennial Proflora flower trade show, currently scheduled for Oct. 7-9) is touch and go because Colombia is experiencing active lockdowns in a third pandemic wave. In Amsterdam, Netherlands, though, (site of the International Floriculture & Horticulture Trade Fair [IFTF], scheduled for Nov. 3-5), all restrictions for vaccinated travelers from the United States have been lifted.

8.) QR (Quick Response) Codes Are Everywhere