As Valentine’s Day celebrations unfold worldwide, the demand for fresh flowers has surged, with florists experiencing a significant spike in orders.
Across Nigeria, vendors report an unprecedented rise in flower sales, driven by romantic gestures and last-minute purchases.
Florists in Lagos, Abuja, and other major cities said this year’s Valentine’s Day records remarkable increase in fresh flower gifting, with roses, lilies, and tulips among the top choices.
“This is the busiest we have ever been,” said Chidi Okafor, owner of Bloom Haven Flowers in Abuja. “Orders started coming in as early as the first week of February, and by the eve of Valentine’s Day, we had already sold out our premium rose bouquets.”
The trend is attributed to a growing appreciation for fresh flowers as a thoughtful and expressive gift. Social media has also played a role, with influencers and celebrities showcasing their floral arrangements, influencing buyers.
Demand soaring
With demand soaring, flower prices have also seen an increase. According to Temitope Alade, a florist in Lagos, logistics and importation costs contribute to the price hike. “We import most of our flowers from Kenya and the Netherlands. The cost of transportation and storage has gone up, so naturally, prices have followed,” she explained.
Despite the rising costs, many buyers are still willing to spend on premium floral gifts. Some florists introduced personalized packaging, handwritten notes, and special fragrance-infused bouquets to add value.
Romantic Gestures on the Rise
Many couples and individuals are choosing fresh flowers over artificial ones, seeing them as a more heartfelt option. Nkechi Eze, a Lagos-based banker, shared her sentiment: “There’s something special about receiving fresh flowers. They bring a sense of warmth and sincerity that artificial ones can’t replicate.”
While romantic partners dominate the customer base, florists have also noticed an increase in family and friends exchanging flowers. “It’s no longer just for couples. People now gift flowers to mothers, siblings, and even colleagues to show appreciation,” said Sola Adeyemi, a florist in Port Harcourt.
Delivery Services at Full Capacity
Flower delivery services have been working around the clock to meet customer demands. Some businesses reported tripling their delivery fleet for the holiday.
“We had to hire extra dispatch riders to keep up,” said Aisha Umar, co-founder of Petal Express. “Even with our expanded team, we’re still getting last-minute requests.”
With the increasing popularity of fresh flowers as a Valentine’s Day staple, vendors are optimistic about sustained growth in the sector.
Many believed that the shift toward fresh flower gifting is here to stay, with more Nigerians embracing the tradition each year.
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