When COVID-19 was classified as a global pandemic, people adapted by changing the way they worked, gathered, any changing the way they worked, gathered, and went about their daily lives. However, the recent resurgence of COVID-19 in regions around the world dampened this hope. As of mid-September, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the Delta COVID-19 variant made up over 99 percent of positive cases in the United States, with the newer Mu variant making up less than 1 percent.Â
This resurgence compounded existing labor challenges led to sporadic manufacturing and supply chain problems—both in fresh product availability and hard goods. This issue of floriology goes in-depth into potential solutions to issues of supply chain management and labor shortages in our Owner’s Corner column.
While there are challenges, there are also reasons to be optimistic. Floral businesses can adapt to these present circumstances in a multitude of ways. First, increased engagement with customers is key, mostly through social media channels. Recommit to building and consistently updating your social presence to appeal to customers, especially Millennials, who are now the primary flower buyers. Our Digital Marketing column will feature a series of articles over the next few months to help reinvigorate these efforts.
Working with business partners towards solutions and sources can help floral businesses adapt to the “new” normal. If a current provider is no longer supporting the business, consider a change to better manage supply or labor issues. It’s also important to take care of the employees that remain. In-person trade shows have returned in the summer and early fall, but their presence is waning amid the challenges floral shop owners are facing. Turning to secondary options and electronic means to improve skillsets—like Floriology Now—can serve as a solution to leverage digital strategies through online education.
Thank you for your continued readership throughout these difficult times. We appreciate your support as we transition into a digital platform, and we, too, hope to soon return to the “new” normal.
DINESH POPAT
President
