Top 7 Florist Industry Trends of 2021

Cara Squires, writer

Published at 27/09/2021, Updated on 04/05/2022 , Reading time: 5 min

Top 7 Florist Industry Trends of 2021 — Photo © Top-7-Florist-Industry-Trends-of-2021.jpg

If you’re interested in entering a fun, creative and lucrative industry, starting a florist franchise might be the perfect option. But before you do, you’ll need to understand the ins and outs of this in-demand, competitive sector. Here are seven of the top florist industry trends dominating the conversation in 2021.

When you’re running a florist franchise, you’ll be juggling many different responsibilities. One of these responsibilities will be staying on top of the latest industry developments and changes, keeping pace with your competitors. Hopefully, this article will put you in the right position to do exactly that, allowing you to start your flower shop on the right foot.

What does a florist franchise do?

Florists respond to a variety of floral and organisational needs, communicating and negotiating with clients and selling and arranging flowers. Some florists operate in niche sub-sectors like Endura Roses, a franchise business that specialises in preserved floral bouquets and arrangements. Generally speaking, the daily tasks you’ll undertake as the owner of a florist franchise are as follows:

Taking on, managing and fulfilling orders
Keeping in touch with customers
Arranging displays and bouquets
Visiting flower markets and purchasing stock
Caring for this stock once it’s in your shop
Maintaining a clean and tidy flower shop and storefront
Keeping up to date with industry trends and techniques

If you’d like to develop multiple revenue streams, follow your passions, and positively impact your local community, there’s a florist franchise that’s perfect for you out there, waiting on your investment. As a franchisee in this industry, you’ll benefit from comprehensive franchisor training and support, the chance to be creative during each and every working day, and the capacity for plenty of future growth and expansion.

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The shape of the flower shop industry post-COVID

To varying degrees, every person, business, and country has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic which began in March 2020. Fortunately, many industries have since been able to start the process of bouncing back. If you’d like to make a career change with a florist franchise, you might be surprised to discover that right now is actually a great time to take the plunge. Yes, flower shops in the UK were impacted by closures and restrictions.

But now? Sales are back up, customers are very much looking to celebrate with floral adornment, and the wedding industry in particular is really hitting its stride again. If you’d like to join an industry with a market size of over £400 billion, becoming one of the 17,000 employed in the sector [IBISWorld], there’s no need to hesitate post-COVID. Shoots of progress and growth are appearing, and soon, the industry will once again be in full bloom.

The top florist industry trends of 2021

When you’re marketing your florist franchise, nothing will be more invaluable to you than deep knowledge of the industry. So, what are the top trends of 2021 in the floristry space? What’s getting customers excited and selling well? In this article, Point Franchise has narrowed down seven of the biggest 2021 floral trends, from flower subscriptions to personalisation...

1. Dried flowers

Dried flowers are fragrant, environmentally friendly and long-lasting. They were a huge hit back in the 1980s, and in 2021, they’re making a comeback, adding a bohemian vibe to any event. Some of the most popular dried flower options are hydrangeas, gypsophila, orange bunny tails, poppy seed heads, lavender and eucalyptus.

2. Flower subscriptions

Flower subscription services have seen a huge surge in recent years, offering customers weekly and monthly options that provide them with beautiful, fresh blooms year-round, posted right through the letterbox. The most popular options on the market in 2021 come from companies like Bloom & Wild, Arena Flowers, Willow Crossley, Freddie’s Flowers and more.

3. Sustainability

Sustainability has been a big focus in 2021, as the pandemic left many consumers more carefully considering their environmental impact and striving in this direction. 60% of people are reported to be making more ethical purchases post-COVID [BBC], and this purchasing habit change has been seen in the florist industry, too.

Consumers will increasingly be actively looking for brands that offer sustainable flower options to help them make more environmentally conscious buying decisions. A green product does not need to look any less luxe. Many independent businesses create beautiful florals without cellophane and plastic wrappers to lessen their environmental impact. - Larry Walshe, Bloom

4. Minimalist design

For many customers, a love of minimalism and simplicity goes as far as their preferred floral arrangements. That’s why stripped-back bouquets are popular this year. It’s all about hitting the following three criteria: Simple, sleek, elegant. If your flower shop can meet those needs for your minimalist customers, you’ll guarantee yourself some strong repeat business.

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5. Soft neutrals and pastel colours

Similarly, many customers in today’s floristry industry love soft neutrals and pastels in their arrangements, allowing them to fit their flowers into any setting. Earthier tones are particularly current, and you should expect to notice an uptick in demand for soft pinks, creamy whites and sage greens.

6. Strong fragrances

For those who want to really stop and smell the roses, strong fragrances are the answer. In 2021, people are embracing natural perfumes and looking, more than ever, to fill their homes with delightfully fragrant floral arrangements.

Smell is the strongest of the five senses, with the ability to bring back strong memories and impact our mood and emotions. Introducing flowers into the home isn’t just about colour schemes and beauty; stock up on freesias, lavender, sweet peas and lilacs to give your home an array of gorgeous, welcoming floral scents. - Ruth Doherty, Homes and Gardens

7. Personalisation

If the global pandemic has taught the UK public anything, it’s that appreciation for loved ones is never misplaced, or a waste of time. That’s why personalisation is a huge trend this year, with more customers than ever turning to flower shops for the production of bespoke, one-of-a-kind gifts.

An understanding of the latest flower shop trends will help you to cultivate franchise success

This was touched upon above, but it bears repeating: If you choose to become a florist, you’ll be responsible for many different things. With these trends in mind, you’re well on your way to fulfilling one of these responsibilities, but there’s still plenty more to do. Why not continue your research and preparation by discovering Point Franchise’s four top tips for building a business plan for your florist franchise, or by reading up on the top florist franchises in the UK?