In preparation for a Sunday Valentine's Day, almost 40 percent of
retail florists boosted their promotional efforts this year compared to
2009. About half said they put in about the same amount of effort in
marketing and advertising as last year. The results, from SAF's
post-holiday survey, are fresh inspiration for florists facing the
spring-holiday season.
To
help growers better understand and eliminate common pests, organizers
of last month's 2010 Pest & Production Management Conference in
Orlando decided to broaden the focus and deepen the level of
discussion.
Will proposed ergonomics regulations mean more recordkeeping for
florists? Will a new tax be levied on flowers? Are independent
contractors - and those who hire them -going to face closer scrutiny?
And what exactly will a new consumer protection agency mean for
retailers?
You don’t become an icon waiting for opportunity to come your way and
you don’t become a beloved, respected peer by gloating over your many,
many accomplishments. From the day a very young Hannaford put an ad in
his hometown newspaper seeking work in floriculture, he approached each
day with a will to keep working, learning and helping his country’s
beautiful resource also grow its economy. And he never expected
accolades or put down his ever-present notebook, assuming he had
learned enough.
On the SAF Facebook Fan Pagesomeone asked..."do any florists chip or shred flower stems instead of throwing them in a garbage can? Share what you know > Tip of the Week.Set
a table outside your shop, offering passers-by the opportunity to give
a flower with a personalized message to a friend. Read more >
Post-recession
marketing is the focus of Growth Solutions, SAF’s rapid-fire new
mini-conference for florists June 23-24 in Dallas. “The retail
marketplace has changed dramatically, and florists need to know how to
engage the post-recession consumer,” said SAF CEO Peter Moran.
The Federal Trade Commission'sIdentity Theft Rule, also called the Red Flags Rule, will take effect June 1, 2010. If you accept credit cards or bill customers, you will need to have a written identity theft prevention program in place by then. But before you call your lawyer, check out SAF's sample policy. It just might save you time, and money.
Make sure your listing on the Florist Directory, on www.aboutflowers.com, SAF’s consumer Web site, includes a live link directing consumers to your shop. If it doesn’t, be sure to let SAF know, and we’ll make it happen. Simply e-mail your Web site address and shop name to
, and your link will be live within the next 24 hours.
Sharpen Spring Promos with The Marketing Edge
Trying
to get an angle on your spring promos? Create and execute
professional-grade promotional campaigns with help from SAF's The Marketing Edge.
The guide is packed with marketing options, develop
your marketing plan, and tips for effective campaigns. With it are two
bonus CD-ROM's filled with a complete library of floral photography and
illustrations, plus 100 ready-to-use holiday and year-round ads. The Marketing Edge is available exclusively to SAF members for $49.95. Order
online at the SAF Market or call (800-336-4743).
Turn Up Your Marketing Mojo with Radio Promo Radio
stations love to offer freebies' especially with a contest that gets
people talking. Call a local station's promotions director and offer
listeners the chance to win a good mood! The winner receives a free Flower Therapy
arrangement delivered to their home or office. Build business by
including a discount coupon on another mood-boosting arrangement the
winner can send to someone else. Put the coupon on the back of an SAF
Flower Therapy statement stuffer
along with your company information.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! NEW in 2010! SAF Growth Solutions: Engaging the Post-Recession Consumer June 23-24, Dallas, TX (Just before the Dallas Holiday and Home Expo) Don't miss this powerful new mini-conference — exclusively for florists!
SAF Orlando 2010 126th Annual Convention September 22-25, 2010 Omni Championsgate Orlando, FL
You don’t become an icon waiting for opportunity to come your way and
you don’t become a beloved, respected peer by gloating over your many,
many accomplishments. From the day a very young Hannaford put an ad in
his hometown newspaper seeking work in floriculture, he approached each
day with a will to keep working, learning and helping his country’s
beautiful resource also grow its economy. And he never expected
accolades or put down his ever-present notebook, assuming he had
learned enough. 
Radio
stations love to offer freebies' especially with a contest that gets
people talking. Call a local station's promotions director and offer
listeners the chance to win a good mood! The winner receives a free 