Flower Shops Gear Up as Business Either Blooms or Wilts

WMBD/WYZZ-TV—PEORIA--Mother's Day is around the corner and while the National Retail Federation is expecting sales to drop by $14 billion, local flower shops are "petaling" out "specials" to beat the competition.

   With more than 11-hundred deliveries this week alone business is booming at Becks' Florist, which owner Victor Becks credits to week-long Mother's Day sales.

“One of the big wow factors is receiving flowers at work, we have a lot of people that have received flowers already,” nodded Becks.

As for whether he thinks he'll have any left over blooms, “Not at all it's one of those things where it's just like Valentine's Day, this is one of those very important time's where it's mom's day and everybody wants to make sure mom's happy.”

  Meantime owner of Sterling Flowershop, Kathy Kraps, is baring the tough times, “They might be down a little bit but I really don't think it'll be substantial, so I think it should be a good year, I think it should be fine.”

While business is blooming at other local flower shops, Carol's is feeling the cut. Their doors will close at the end of the month.

“People eliminated unnecessary expenses and everything that we sell is more for the quality of life and the little extras and unfortunately those are the things that often get trimmed,” said Carol’s Owner, Ben Bladle.

 Despite wilting business Bladle expects to close with a bang for your buck and your mother's table.

   “Most of our bouquets are going to start at about $35. The beautiful ones are probably in the $55 to $75 range.

  And if your sending flowers a further away, “Not only are we able to accommodate them for their local orders but we can do something for them out of town.”

  Either way, there are plenty of shops willing to help you make any mom smile.