Floriculture Original by Linda Rist Modified by Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office September 2005

The retail florist industry has been promoting the use of flowers and not just for special occasions

Flowers add a feeling of warmth and welcome to any room.

There are several job types within the floriculture industry ranging from design to sales.

Working in a retail florist allows people to work with flowers as well as the emotions that they represent.

Different types of shops serve different groups of the population. A shop should tailor its services to the needs and desires of the clientele in its area.

Examples of different types of shops include…

Full Service Traditional Retail Shop n Products and services available would include fresh flowers, blooming plants, balloons, novelty giftware, and silk and dried arrangements. n A full service shop would also offer regular and special delivery, set-ups for special events, charge accounts and wire service.

Specialty Shop n Targets a specific need in the market by specializing in one segment of the industry. n These types of shops would specialize in things such as weddings or potted plants. n Many times they are located adjacent to a business that provides similar services.

Carriage Trade Shop Caters to an elite clientele n May offer the same services as a full service shop but prices are higher. A Carriage trade shop must understand the life styles of its clients.

Stem Shop Cash and Carry Operations Offer a wide variety of flowers by the stem or bunch. Generally do not offer design services. Are often located in high traffic areas such as just inside a building or on the street.

Studio operation Concentrates on specialty and party work for an exclusive client base. May operate out of a warehouse without a storefront. Most sales are made by appointment or at the customer’s home or business.

Franchise shop Usually purchased from a parent company Operated according to the rules set by the parent company. n Resale products may have to be purchased from the parent company. Franchise price is usually high; the owner may pay a portion of gross sales to the parent company. n Franchise provides a business with instant recognition.

Mass-Market shop Located in a general merchandise chain store or grocery store Offer fresh arrangements, potted plants, balloons and stem purchases. Usually do not offer delivery.

Wholesale Florist L ink between the grower and the retail florist The wholesaler purchases flowers from growers around the world and supplies them to the local retail shops. n Wholesalers also supply plants, giftware containers, etc. Wholesaler

Job opportunities in the retail flower shop Present in nearly all towns of any size throughout the United States. Most are individually owned or family operated employing fewer than ten people.

Areas for job opportunities in a retail florist shop include…

Owner/Manager n Responsibilities will include hiring, training, supervising designer, salespersons, and delivery personnel. n Managers may also plan work schedules, order supplies and flowers, coordinate sales promotion and advertising, and supervise or maintain shop records. n Owner – managers must have a good business background. n They may also work as a designer and salesperson. n Some managers may not take care of routine sales but may be responsible for pricing of weddings, receptions and large parties.

Designer’s Assistant A person training to become a designer. n Work with and observe the construction of a variety of floral designs. n Usually coordinate the designer’s orders and keep all needed materials on hand. n May prepare containers, select and wire flowers, and construct bows for arrangements. n The assistant may fill out the card and delivery tag and prepared the product for delivery.

Designer Arranges floral and plant material in an artistic manner. n Must also have an understanding of basic design principles. n Knowledge of flowers, their care and the needed supplies. n Head designer is responsible for assigning specific work to other designers. n Head designers also are responsible for special sales. This is a difficult task, as the designer must estimate the amount of materials needed. If too few are ordered the shop will lose sales, if there are too many flowers on hand they must be thrown away. n The quality of the designers’ work affects the customers’ happiness and satisfaction with their product.

Salesperson Must deal in telephone and direct face to face sales. n Must know about flower care, plant care, and floral designs. Must be able to offer customers appropriate suggestions. n MUST have a friendly attitude!

Delivery Person n This service is a convenience to the customer. It distinguishes full service florists from mass- market florists such as those in some grocery or drug stores. n Should be able to repair damaged arrangements if necessary. n Duties: packaging orders and loading flowers into the delivery vehicle.

Training for a job in the retail flower shop: n On the job training Designer schools and workshops provided by the state florist association or wholesale florists.

Necessary skills n For a career in the floriculture industry include: –Artistic ability –Business background –A love for working with flowers

Where to start… n Many designers begin their training in high school or post secondary vocational technical programs. There are a number of floral design schools throughout the nation.