Today (Feb. 14) marks Valentine's Day, a popular occasion for buying flowers for loved ones. However, as this year's Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday, some florists in Hong Kong report slower business compared to last year. They attribute the decline to competition from cross-boundary flower purchases and online flower delivery services. Despite the challenges, some shops report steady sales, with customers purchasing bouquets in advance to surprise their partners.
At a florist in Tseung Kwan O, the shop owner displayed a rose-decorated horse figurine to attract customers. The shop was bustling with locals picking out flowers, and the owner was busy handling orders without a moment's rest.
In contrast, Mr. Chan, a florist in North Point, said sales were weaker than last year, with fewer customers purchasing Valentine's Day bouquets. He noted that his shop is focusing more on selling festive flowers for the Lunar New Year and expressed reservations about this year's revenue.
Chan attributed the slower sales to factors such as people traveling to the Mainland or taking holidays abroad during the festive season.
Festive flower stalls offer "joyful prices" to customers
At Victoria Park's Lunar New Year flower market in Causeway Bay, many stalls are capitalizing on Valentine's Day by offering themed arrangements and discounts. Bouquets featuring roses, hydrangeas, and colorful baby's breath are priced between HK$180 and HK$220.
However, some stall owners reported that foot traffic was lower than expected. A staff member remarked, "It's quieter than last year," adding that flower prices remained similar to previous years as vendors avoided price hikes.
One creative stall displayed a giant bouquet made of 1,314 red roses at its entrance to attract customers, offering a photo spot for couples. The setup drew a steady stream of visitors, with couples stopping to take pictures.
Ms. Fok, a worker of the stall, said she was overwhelmed with orders, busy wrapping bouquets for Valentine's Day shoppers. She noted that red rose bouquets start at just over HK$100, while more unique options, such as blue roses, are priced higher.
Another stall worker, Ms. Chan, predicted that more customers would arrive later in the day. She also noted that Valentine's Day sales trends have remained consistent over the years.
(Source: Ta Kung Pao)
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