Should You Buy Flowers from a Grocery Store or a Florist?

When you are shopping for flowers, there are two main places to check out: the grocery store or your local florist shop. Some people swear by florist flowers, while others find that the prices for grocery store flowers are enticing enough to make them purchase flowers there. Although there are many types of grocery stores and florists across the country, there are usually some differences in the products and services offered by the two types of retailers. Knowing the distinctions between the two will allow you to confidently shop for flower arrangements at your favorite spot.

When to Buy Grocery Store Flowers 

• When you are looking for a low cost option…

Many shoppers are drawn to the low-cost floral designs sold at grocery stores. Some grocery stores can offer customers lower costing bouquets because they buy many bulk flowers at once. They are also able to reduce labor costs by using unprocessed flowers to create simple designs that customers choose themselves from an open display area in the store.

• When you plan to give the flowers right away…

Most grocery store flowers should be given to the recipient right away. They are usually stored at room temperature, rather than in a cooler, so their lifespan may be shortened depending on how long they have been in the store. Grocery store bouquets are not usually packaged with a water source, so they will work best for that event happening tonight. 

• When you are already shopping at the grocery store…

Another reason many customers purchase grocery store flowers is convenience. When you are already picking up your dinner ingredients and household supplies it is easy and convenient to visit the floral department to pick out fresh flowers to brighten up your table.

• When you know how to shop for fresh flowers...

When shopping for flowers at the grocery store, keep your eyes peeled for the signs of fresh or less-than-fresh flowers. Some grocery stores do not have employees solely dedicated to the floral department, so it is up to you to determine whether or not the flowers are at your desired freshness. However, if you know what you are looking for, you can select a fresh bouquet for yourself.

When to Buy Flowers from a Florist

• When you are planning a special event…

When you need special event flowers for a baby shower, wedding, or other large gathering, you will want to enlist the help of a florist. The florist will be able to special order flowers to your liking and will ensure that the blooms are looking their best for the big day. The florist can help you make your vision into a reality and offer advice about logistics for the day-of.

• When you need delivery…

Whether a large basket of sympathy flowers needs to be delivered to a church memorial service or you want to surprise a friend with a beautiful birthday bouquet, a florist can ensure that fresh flowers are delivered on-time and directly to the recipient. Flower delivery is especially useful when you live far away from friends and loved ones, but even a neighbor loves the excitement of an unexpected delivery of blooming plants or a fresh Spring arrangement.

• When you want it personalized…

A florist will work with each customer to make his or her bouquet special. From selecting flowers to choosing a modern or traditional design, the customer is in control. But don’t let a trip to the florist overwhelm you; florists also offer a selection of the freshest ready-made bouquets that have been created and cared for by designers. Florists also know how to work within many price ranges, so custom doesn’t always equal expensive.

• When you want to shop on your schedule...

Choose delivery or pick-up service at a flower shop, and you will be able to shop on your schedule and know that the recipient will receive their gift on their anniversary, birthday, or for their holiday celebration. Florists also offer the option to shop for flowers online, so you can shop anytime from home (or on your phone) without having to worry about business hours.

Now that you know the differences between flowers from the grocery store and those from a flower shop, you can choose where to buy your next arrangements. And if you’ve never shopped at a florist, give it a try and you may be surprised at what you find! Flower shops like Kremp Florist have made flowers the central part of their business, and aim to please each customer that walks through their doors.

This article was published by Chad Kremp