But at least three flower shops on Saipan are already getting orders from their regular customers.
Still, Maggie Mendoza, whose shop is located just across from a cemetery, said their sales are lower compared to the same period last year.
“We can attribute this to the economic crisis,” she told Variety.
The cheapest of her flower arrangements costs $12 and the most expensive is $150.
But Mendoza said they are giving discounts of up to 20 percent depending on the volume of the purchase.
“Aside from our regulars we have also walk-in customers,” she said.
Island Florals and Gifts, for its part, is still doing well, said its manager, Philip Canuto.
He attributes their success to good customer service and originality of their arrangements and presentations.
“Last year we didn’t expect to get much but we did perform well compared to the previous year. This year we are hoping to increase our sales,” he said.
Since last week, he added, they have been getting orders from their regular customers.
Robert Barcelo, manager of Paradise Florist, said their business continues to pick up although their sales during last year’s All Saints Day dropped.
“Before, the island’s economy was good,” he said.
He said their average sales totaled $15,000 during special occasions.
“Because of the economic crisis we’re down to $5,000,” Barcelo added.
But he said Paradise Florist has maintained its regular customers, and is getting new clients.
