Since the story broke that the UK is to hold the very first National Florist Day, the amount of positive feedback has been incredible, with more partners signing up to support the event. Alongside founding patrons Direct2Florist, Interflora and Oasis Floral Products®, the new initiative has quickly gained the support of other leading names in the industry. At the time of going to press, Optimus Flowers, FleuraMetz, Tom Brown Group, Marginpar and FloweringDirect had all committed to supporting National Florist Day.
This is a wonderful reaction to a cross industry project that aims to promote how fabulous florists are, why they should be the first port of call for ALL things floral and create a feeling of pride throughout the sector.
Following a five-month build-up programme of both trade and consumer activity, content and promotional opportunities, 8th June 2024 will be a culmination of all that is wonderful about florists and the whole 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 said; “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”.
For National Florist Day founder Caroline Marshall-Foster, who owns Florist Trade Magazine and Good Florist Guide, it’s a dream come true;
“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 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 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 the consumer facing activities already planned and highlight how florists can 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 a stakeholder in National Florist Day, you can email hello@nationalfloristday.co.uk for a copy of the information pack.
