You want to become a florist, but you ask yourself many questions: is it a profitable activity, what is the potential of the sector, how to make my business plan of florist?
You are in the right place !
In this article, we’ll give you some insight into the market and its trends, as well as some practical tips for carrying out your market research and your florist business plan.
The flower market and its trends
The flower market has significant potential: in fact, it is estimated that 92% of people buy potted flowers or plants at least occasionally , whether for themselves or as a gift.
Regular purchases, mainly from the florist
The most common purchase frequency among the French is one purchase every 2 to 3 months, mainly from florists even if other distribution channels are gaining ground:
- 87% of French people visit a florist at least from time to time (including 80% to an independent florist and 20% to franchised florists)
- More than half of French people (52%) frequent both the network of florists and other networks (garden centers, supermarkets, markets, etc.)
- Independent florists are the preferred network for bereavement or event services.
A declining average basket
Even if the sector is resisting rather well, the crisis has still had an impact on the level of the average basket of consumers. According to a study of this sector revealed by the CEP, we learn that 61% of florists believe that their sector is in decline (difficulties which are less noticeable on mourning: 59% see this activity stable or growing).
Added to this is increased competition for florists. This competition comes mainly from franchised stores and specialized department stores, but also from the internet and supermarkets which are creating a downward trend in prices.
The need to do market research before opening a florist
Performing a local florist market research is essential in your approach to opening a flower shop.
Indeed, the market study will push you to analyze the local market in depth to verify that your project is commercially viable.
This will allow you to answer the following questions in particular:
- What is the potential of the catchment area around my business premises?
- Who are my local competitors? What is their commercial strategy (product range, communication, price level, services offered)?
- How can I stand out from the competition and create my clientele?
You can do this market research yourself or have a professional help you. We also advise you to talk to other florists in order to get a more precise idea of the constraints of the profession.
If the market research confirms that your project is feasible, the next step is to make a business plan .