New SAF survey reports strong flower sales for Mother's Day 2020

Floral industry and consumer studies conducted by the Society of American Florists show overwhelmingly positive Mother's Day sales results despite a global pandemic. 

According to a new survey from the Society of American Florists, more than 90% of floral industry members responding to a SAF survey reported they were open for business Mother's Day week. Seventy percent of floral industry members responding to the survey saw an increase in Mother's Day sales — with many saying they could have sold even more flowers if they'd been able to source additional product or bring in more staff.

About 42% of respondents said their average transaction was between $51 and $70; 36% said it was $71 to $100. Fifteen percent said it was $101 to $150. Eight percent said it was $21 to $50. The average transaction last year was almost $76, compared to $68 in 2018.

"We are very pleased with the results from the Mother's Day holiday, and how the industry has been buoyed by an uptick in sales for those businesses that were operating in some capacity," said SAF CEO Kate Penn. 

Polling firm Ipsos also conducted a consumer survey this month on behalf of SAF and found only a slight decrease in the number of American adults buying Mother's Day flowers and plants this year – and a slight increase in their median and average spending per gift. 

"We're really encouraged to see that spending increased, despite the many potential obstacles – financial, logistical – that could have driven floral spending on gifts downward," said Penn. "Anecdotally, we've been hearing that average order values were up, and the SAF member survey confirms this, but it's good to see it also confirmed in this consumer research."  
 
This year's consumer poll found that about three in 10 American adults bought fresh flowers or plants as gifts for Mother's Day. Nearly 60% of the floral gifts purchased were fresh bouquets and fresh arrangements. 
 
SAF will host a webinar with a panel of industry experts to break down what the results mean for the industry next Thursday, May 28 at 2 p.m. EST.