Two of the main flower shops on Saipan — Island Florals & Gifts in Susupe and Blossoms Floral Depot on Middle Road — are currently enjoying good business.
Blossoms Floral Depot office manager Carlyn DLG. Hofschneider said the flower business has its usual ups and downs but business is still thriving because of events and special occasions like weddings, birthdays and anniversaries, and funerals.
“The thing is, crisis or not, the people will still spend for flowers, whether it is a whole arrangement or just a single rose. Even if people are on a tight budget, they can still find flowers that can fit their budget. It’s the thought and not the cost that counts,” Hofschneider said.
Blossom Floral Depot imports fresh roses from California but she said the people here have also learned to value the tropical arrangements or locally grown flowers and that helps a lot in boosting the island economy.
June to September are the peak months for weddings, according to Philip Canuto, manager and floral designer of Island Florals & Gifts.
“We have been quite busy since June providing flowers, bouquets and floral arrangements to weddings all over the island, in addition to other special occasions, and no-occasion occasions when people just come in and buy flowers for their loved ones,” Canuto said.
Island Florals & Gifts imports its flowers from Ecuador, Netherlands, Puerto Rico and the mainland U.S. so clients can get affordable prices for quality flowers.
Both flower shops admit that they have seen better times. They now have to work harder to make ends meet, pay their huge utility bills to maintain their freezers and keep the flowers fresh.
Blossoms Floral Depot is located at J.E.T. Building near J’s Restaurant in Gualo Rai. For reservations or inquiries call 235-2276/7372 or fax 235-7371.
Island Florals & Gifts is located across from the Saipan Grand Saipan in Susupe. Visit www.islandfloralsandgifts.com to place orders, call 235-2230, fax 235-2231, or email islandflorals@pticom.com.
