Flower shops feel supply chain squeeze ahead of Mother’s Day

Twin Cities floral shops are urging customers to pre-order flowers for Mother’s Day following a supply shortage that’s not keeping up with demand.

“This is where the magic happens. It’s a mess, but I mean, a lot of beautiful things come out of it,” said David Miller, co-owner of Ergo Flowers.

Mother’s Day is the busiest time of year for Ergo Floral in St. Paul, and business is blooming. But for the last few years, David Miller said they’ve been battling problems sunshine and water can’t fix.

“There was less supply out there, and so we’ve just been learning as any other industry about how to be flexible, how to have backup plans, and how to find new sources for things,” Miller said.

Miller said it’s hard to get their hands on flowers, floral supplies, and glassware.

The issue stems from production shortages, shipping problems and a delay in warm weather.

He said inflation is another factor.

“I’m seeing all of my costs go up. Everybody’s seeing all of their costs go up. So we as a shop have to accommodate that as well,” Miller told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS.

Anika Hilton is on a mission to find the perfect bouquet for her mom, but she said this year is tough.

“My mom does like a certain kind of flower, and I’m looking for them,” Hilton said. “I did notice there was a shortage, and everything is really expensive lately.”

But Hilton said you can’t put a price on flowers for mom.

Floral shop owners are urging customers to pre-order their flowers because there is a possibility they can run out before Sunday.