Is Christmas Really Busier for Florists Than Mother's Day?

John R Thomas Florist in Church Stretton, Shropshire, is experiencing unprecedented demand this Christmas, with staff reportedly working "twelve to fifteen hour days" to keep up. Celebrating its 40th anniversary and a national award nomination, the family-run shop has thrived thanks to phenomenal community support and a surge in orders for festive arrangements.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

John R Thomas Florist is currently facing an overwhelming demand, particularly for Christmas bouquets and arrangements. The family business, which has become a staple in the local community, has seen a significant uptick in orders, prompting staff to extend their working hours significantly. This surge comes in light of their recent recognition as a finalist in the British Florist Association's annual award, which has driven more customers to their shop.

Key takeaways

John R Thomas Florist is experiencing record-breaking demand this Christmas.
The shop is celebrating its 40th anniversary while coping with increased orders.
Community support has been crucial for the florist's continued success.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey of John R Thomas Florist has been marked by notable milestones, particularly in 2023:

January 2023: The shop begins preparations for its 40th anniversary celebrations.
October 2023: Wreath-making classes sell out well in advance of Christmas.
October 2023: The florist is announced as a finalist in the British Florist Association's annual award.
November 2023: The shop sees a dramatic increase in orders as Christmas approaches.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

As of late October, the florist is reporting record numbers of orders for Christmas arrangements, surpassing previous years’ expectations. Additionally, the community has rallied around the business, providing significant support during the busy season.

What was already established

John R Thomas Florist has been a well-known entity in Church Stretton for 40 years, and it has continually engaged with the local community. Its reputation for quality and service has been a cornerstone of its business model, even as external pressures like rising living costs and wage increases pose challenges to small businesses.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For consumers, the increased demand for floral arrangements during Christmas suggests a positive economic sentiment in the community, indicating that people are willing to spend on local businesses despite ongoing economic challenges. This trend could lead to higher prices for flowers and arrangements in the festive season.

Businesses and jobs

The florist's success reflects broader trends in the small business sector, where local shops are increasingly competing against online retailers. The high demand for their products has necessitated extended hours and more staffing, contributing positively to local employment.

Policy and regulation

With changes to the National Living Wage affecting small businesses, John R Thomas Florist's ability to thrive amid these challenges highlights the resilience of local enterprises. It also underscores the importance of community support for such businesses, which are crucial for local economies.

Numbers that matter

40 years: The number of years John R Thomas Florist has been in operation.
12–15 hours: The daily working hours reported by staff during the busy Christmas season.
Sold out by October: The wreath-making classes indicating strong early demand.
Phenomenal community support: Highlighted by the increase in orders and social media following.

Definitions and jargon buster

National Living Wage: The minimum hourly wage that most workers in the UK aged 23 and over are entitled to receive.
British Florist Association: A trade organisation representing the interests of the UK florist industry.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the coming weeks, John R Thomas Florist will continue to focus on fulfilling Christmas orders. Customers should expect a busy shop atmosphere, with extended hours to accommodate the influx of orders.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the festive season winds down, the florist may need to evaluate its inventory and staffing levels to align with post-Christmas demand. Keeping community engagement strong will be vital for maintaining momentum into the new year.

Signals to watch

Order volumes in the lead-up to Christmas
Community engagement through social media and local events
Changes in local consumer spending patterns following the holiday season

Practical guidance

Do

Support local businesses by shopping in-store or ordering online.
Engage with the shop on social media to stay updated on offers and classes.
Participate in community events that promote local businesses.

Don’t

Overlook the value of personalised service that local shops provide compared to larger retailers.
Wait until the last minute to place orders for popular items, as they may sell out quickly.
Ignore the opportunity to learn new skills through workshops offered by the florist.

Checklist

Check the florist’s website for current offerings and order options.
Follow them on social media to stay informed about new products.
Consider scheduling a workshop session for a hands-on experience.
Plan ahead for special occasions by ordering in advance.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While John R Thomas Florist is thriving now, there are uncertainties ahead. The ongoing economic situation, including inflation and changes to wages, could impact both consumer spending and operational costs. Additionally, any sudden changes in demand or supply chain disruptions during peak seasons can affect service levels.

Bottom line

John R Thomas Florist's success during this festive season illustrates the resilience of small businesses in the face of ongoing economic challenges. Their ability to sustain community support and adapt to market demands is vital. Looking ahead, it will be crucial for the florist to maintain this momentum while navigating potential hurdles that may arise in the new year.

FAQs

Why is John R Thomas Florist so busy this Christmas?

This Christmas, John R Thomas Florist is experiencing higher demand due to community support and their recent recognition as a finalist in the British Florist Association's annual award.

How long has John R Thomas Florist been in business?

John R Thomas Florist has been operating for 40 years, providing a range of floral arrangements and services to the community.

What challenges do small businesses face during the festive season?

Small businesses like John R Thomas Florist face challenges such as rising operational costs, increased competition from online retailers, and the need to meet high consumer expectations during busy periods.