Instant Reaction to National Florist Day – all systems go!
The story first broke on Monday 15th that the UK was to hold the very first National Florist Day and the amount of instant positive feedback has been incredible!
Because alongside the founding patrons Direct2Florist, Interflora and Oasis Floral Products®, within hours the new initiative gained the support of leading importer Optimus Flowers along with top wholesalers FleuraMetz and the Tom Brown Group.
With six other companies already expressing their keenness to get involved it was most definitely not a Blue Monday but truly wonderful reaction to a cross industry project that aims to promote how wonderful florists are, why they should be the first port of call for ALL things floral and create a feeling of pride throughout the sector.
In fact, following a five-month build-up programme of both trade and consumer activity, content and promotional opportunities, the 8th of June will be a culmination of all that is wonderful about florists and the flower industry, the skill base required to make the magic happen and the exciting opportunities to encourage more people to look at floristry as a career.
Commenting on their decision to get behind the campaign Paul Southwick, MD of Smithers-Oasis UK Ltd told us; “I think it’s a great concept. There’s a lot of challenges in the industry and I feel it needs a boost. Working together on a project like National Florist Day can only benefit the industry and support the florist so I’m all for it.”
For both Direct2Florist and Interflora it’s a chance to extend their member focussed remit of supporting real florists. As Simon Stirling, MD of D2F said, “it’s what D2F is all about” … a view shared by Nicole Moore representing both Interflora and the Floristry Trade Club who added “anything we can do to support and promote independent local florists, what they can do and how great they are, is a must”.
Commenting on the launch, Caroline Marshall-Foster, Editor of Florist Magazine and founder of Good Florist Guide, said: “To say I am thrilled National Florist Day is happening would be an understatement! Throughout my career I have had the privilege of seeing just how wonderful the whole industry is and I know first-hand the amazing things florists do to create magic moments for every possible occasion.
It has always been my dream to find a way of celebrating the faces of floristry from throughout the industry, showcasing our whole sector to the consumer world and helping florists everywhere promote themselves on a wider scale. To see this dream come to life is amazing, indeed will be one of the highlights of my career and I can’t wait to get started!”
To do everything on the wish list, the campaign has a target of £50,000 and has already raised £26,000. There’s a range of Packages to suit every budget with loads of ways EVERYONE can get involved and work together to shout loud and proud about this amazing industry.
Over the coming weeks Caroline and the team behind National Florist Day will be releasing more details on how the campaign will work, announcing some of the amazing people already on board, sharing some of the consumer facing activities already planned and highlighting how florists can, for free - they'll only have to register for the pack - take full advantage of the PR and marketing opportunities in their area.
In the meantime, if you’re a wholesaler or supplier and want to show your support for your customers and the industry by becoming part of National Florist Day, look out for the welcome letters or email
