With Valentine's Day only being three days away, the days leading up to the special day of romance could be described as frantic by many local Singleton Florists.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
One florist, who has been serving the town of its floral needs since August last year said her and her team have been working around the clock to get ahead of the unpredictable day. "Valentine's Day will be very unpredictable," said August Bloom owner Lili Robinson.
"And that's across the board in the world of floristry, not just because I am a new business."
Lili has had over eight years of experience in the industry and in August last year took on the challenge of opening her own boutique.
"We opened on the first of August last year and I did not expect to have grown so quickly with thanks to all who have supported me from the Singleton community."
The boutique is known for its fresh flowers, quirky arts, unique home wares and mostly its dried flower arrangements.
"There was a queue to enter the shop on opening day and it was like that from when we opened our doors until we closed them that evening."
The young florist explained the impacts that COVID-19 has had on the industry, a main being an increase in demand for flowers on special occasions. "Every occasion since COVID-19 has been blown out of proportion.
The first Mother's Day after COVID-19 was ridiculously crazy due to people being unable to eat out or go anywhere due to restrictions. "Because Valentine's day falls on a Sunday this year we would expect people to go out for lunch or dinner, whereas weekday Valentine's people are often working so flower deliveries are in higher demand."
However, based on the previous occasions with COVID-19, we really don't know what to expect." The boutique has ordered near three times the amount of flowers they usually would on a regular week in preparation for the big day.
"We are just trying to prepare as best as we can for the day and fingers crossed all the stock will sell out." All of the staff at August Bloom will continue to work around the clock leading up to the big day however, they encourage you to place your orders as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss out.