RIVERLAND florists have welcomed an influx in business amid the coronavirus crisis, despite the challenges it has brought.
With many Australians unable to visit their family and friends, particularly around Easter, residents have sought out other ways to send messages and well wishes to their loved ones during this period.
Owner of Renmark Flower House Wendy Day said flowers are just one of those things you can send to people when they are needing a gift.
“It’s that gift they can give without leaving the house,” Mrs Day said.
“I think flowers are known to brighten people’s mood and bring a smile to your face, which is what everyone is wanting at the moment.
“I’ve even had quite a few orders from people who are actually isolating themselves and are wanting flowers for the home to brighten the space.”
Just like most businesses operating in this climate, Mrs Day and other florists in the region have turned to contactless deliveries.
“We’re doing free delivery in Renmark and Paringa at the moment, which I think people are jumping on board with,” Mrs Day said.
“I’m actually on my own here, so there’s been some very long days, but it’s fantastic because a couple of weeks ago, I thought we might be closing.”
Owner of Rachel’s Collective in Loxton, Rachel Schulz, said the move has been positively received, but it has meant deliveries take a bit longer to fulfil.
“Having phone numbers for everyone and having to make sure that they’re correct is probably (florists’) biggest struggle,” Ms Schulz said.
“But it’s not too bad because most people nowadays answer their phones or text messages.
“It’s not a huge downfall – I would just say it’s more time consuming than anything else.”
However, Mrs Day and Ms Schulz both said the biggest challenge would come in the lead up to Mother’s Day.
Florists around the country, particularly in regional areas, have experienced a shortage of stock, and with Mother’s Day being the most popular time of the year for florists, Mrs Day and Ms Schulz said it would be difficult to prepare.
“You can’t really prepare for Mother’s Day because you just don’t know at this stage what flowers we can get,” Ms Schulz said.
“It’s also really hard to plan, organise and promote because you don’t know whether your studio or your shop will be open either.
“It is worrying to think that this week I could be flat out and next week, I’ll have to shut the shop.”
Mrs Day said each time she ordered, she was getting a mystery box from the supplier, which meant customers could not make specific requests.
Coming up to Mother’s Day, she said it has been quite stressful as she is not sure what or how much stock will be available, and will not be able to have all staff on to help with the influx of orders.
“Generally, we should have had our flower orders in already with our wholesalers, but at the moment, they’re not even sure what they can supply,” Mrs Day said.
“I don’t know yet how I’ll work that one, but it might be a case of taking (limited) orders and that’s all you can do.
“Things could be lifted by Mother’s Day, but at this stage, probably not.”
Flowers by Jodie Lee florist Renee Bourton also said sourcing flowers was definitely an issue for the flower industry, particularly in the Riverland, and that closing the business was always a potential.
“It’s always in the back of your mind,” Ms Bourton said.
“You don’t know, one day to the next, what’s going to be happening.”
However, Mrs Day, Ms Bourton and Ms Schulz all agreed they were lucky to have such booming business in a time where other businesses could not operate.
The trio encouraged the community to continue to shop local, and thanked residents for their ongoing support and patience.
“It’s probably been quite positive on our behalf because we can still pretty much run as per normal,” Ms Schulz said.
“Of course, just like every other business, you don’t know what’s around the corner and you’re not sure what next week is going to bring.
“Definitely look local first and if people aren’t sure what’s open, most businesses are only a phone call away.”