For sometime now we have seen specialty shops and stores give way to the large box stores. Now even the box stores are competing with the Internet and finding it harder to afford the overhead of the large store. I used to have a large flower shop in El Dorado Hills in a major shopping center. Well, although my shop was beautiful and creative I found it increasingly harder to pay the rent. Especially, in view of the fact that the anchor store was competing with us.
The grocery stores offer convenience and items ready to go. They do not deliver, so the local florist at least has that going. I look at the grocery store arrangements and they just are okay. Never see anything like my designs. Attention to detail and talent make the difference.
Many florist, like myself have resorted to smaller spaces, not high retail rent locations. This is the only way I can do the type of work I love to do. So, when you see florist for sale and gone altogether it is just not a profitable business any longer in high rent locations.
The times they are a changing. I am just happy I can still design with beautiful flowers and make people happy to receive our bouquets. Marilyn, El Dorado Hills Florist