DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — Valentine’s Day is only one week away, but business is more hectic than usual for many florists.
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Staff at Flower Express told Action News Jax they’re going to do their very best to fulfill every order, but if you wait until next Monday, you may be out of luck.
From cost increases to supply chain delays, staff said the past couple years have been unlike anything seen before.
“This is really challenging,” Linda Chambers of Flower Express said.
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Flower Express has been around for 37 years. This season, the shop hasn’t even been able to get a hold of lilies, one of customers’ favorites.
“The prices are up,” Chambers said. “The prices are triple. The quality is not there. We’re trying to get vases. We don’t know whether we’re going to get them. We don’t when we’re going to get them. It’s been a very challenging holiday.”
So far, Flower Express has taken more than 50 Valentine’s Day orders, and that number is expected to jump to nearly 500 by this time next week.
However, supply chain disruptions have become worrisome.
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April Jones also works at Flower Express.
“It’s harder to get certain things that we need to make our arrangements,” Jones said.
She predicts to see a lot of last-minute customers.
“Get in here and get them ordered now,” Jones said. “Don’t wait. The busier we get, the less of a chance you might get what you want.”
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However, they’re dedicated to making every arrangement look exactly how you pictured it.
“We are going to do our best to fulfill every order up until even Monday. But Monday, you can’t do it all in one day,” Chambers said.
Staff said you shouldn’t be afraid to deliver early, and placing orders as soon as possible is going to be your best bet.
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