You take pride in your flower shop, and in the slower seasons, it’s beneficial to take the time to restructure or reorganize your business. Whether your shop has been open for 30 years or just a few months, investing your time into improving your flower shop shows the care you have for it. Though at times keeping a clean and organized shop can feel overwhelming, once you have patterns, routines, or structured plans in place, it comes naturally!
Ways to Reorganize & Redesign Your Store:
- Revamp your signage
- Create a welcoming area for consultations
- Focus on your flower layout throughout the store
- Create a rotating window display
- Utilize movable space with a cart on wheels
- Have a dedicated design area
- Utilize peg boards, bookshelves, and flower carts
- Create a dedicated area for ribbon, butcher paper, and cellophane
- Clean out your vase selection and store them properly
- Consider a flower excursion near your flower shop
Revamp Your Signage
To bring attention to your shop or display deals, consider getting an interesting sidewalk sign. It is necessary to have your flower shop name prominently displayed on the door, but an additional sign with your branding can catch more attention. A chalk A-frame sign or custom signage can push your business further in view of potential customers on the sidewalk. If your flower shop has a pop-up or event somewhere, take the sign along as an easy way to further promote your business!
Create a Welcoming Area for Consultations
Having a place where clients can come in and tell you their vision is key for creating a mindful environment. Something as simple as a chair or bench in a thoughtfully placed area in your shop can make a world of difference and a great impression. If your flower shop is more oriented towards weddings or event florals, a table is a necessary component to take notes and perhaps draw a few mockups. When choosing where to put your seating area, be mindful of what they may see. Place your consultation area in a good, out of the way place that still allows for a view of the store, without seeing any of the behind the scenes that goes into it. The last thing you want is for a client to change their mind and not proceed in doing business with you, so make sure the area is organized, well kept, and still offers a good view of the shop.
Focus on the Layout of the Store (More Specifically, the Flowers)
A well functioning flower shop should have good flow and an even better layout. It needs to feel functional but polished, organized yet beautiful, and easy to maneuver. If your shop sells additional products, place them in convenient locations so your customers can get to them easily. If you are a plant shop as well, be mindful of child and pet visitors that can be particularly grabby or allergic to certain plants. If you have tricky plants like orchids, make sure to pay attention to their lighting needs and place them somewhere that they will not be moved often.
The most memorable part of any flower shop is the way in which the flowers are displayed. An eye-catching store will draw in customers that had no previous intention of coming in. Whether you prefer a modern appearance in your shop with shelves full of flowers in matching glass vases, or if your flowers stay in a cooler, the way in which they are arranged makes a big difference in how they can be sold.
All flower shops should have some sort of example or “grab & go” selection that customers can quickly purchase along their way. This eases the time between customers, gives clients an idea of your design style, and is a great way to show off what flowers you have in stock. Some customers are happy to wait for a bouquet that is designed for them in the moment, while others are in a rush and need something immediately. Having a fridge stocked with pre-made bouquets, small arrangements, and centerpieces can be beneficial for those who don’t know what they’re looking for or don’t have a style preference!
Create a Rotating Window Display
Create a special window display or entryway to your flower shop. Decorate the outside of the door or inside the window as elaborately as fits your shop, remembering that a first impression can pull in new customers. Switch out the decorations regularly with the seasons or to highlight holiday flowers to keep a fresh look.
Utilize Movable Space with a Cart on Wheels
Switching out a stationary table or counter with a movable cart can turn a crowded space into a portable design haven. By installing tall design tables with wheels, you can configure your area around your day to day needs. Having a malleable design space can allow designers to create a workspace for workshop clients, accommodate the counter space needed for large weddings or events, and serve as separate workstations for designers. Utilize a set of shelves underneath for any tools the designers may need to have within their reach.
Have a Dedicated Flower Prep & Design Area
Cleaning and stripping flowers is a task all florists are familiar with, particularly the mess after it is all done. Having a dedicated flower prep area that can be easily cleaned is essential in keeping your flower shop feeling organized. By having shelving units full of supplies close by the sink area, you are able to quickly grab any vase or bucket that is needed during processing. As a good standard of practice, make sure to sweep up all the trimmings after cleaning the flowers and putting them in their designated places.
Utilize Peg Boards, Flower Carts, & Bookshelves
If your flower shop is on the smaller side, utilizing your space in a clever way is essential. By hanging peg boards on the walls, you can easily see your tools, as well as free up some space on a shelf or counter. This small trick will save you time when looking for what you need because you see it before you reach for it. Another helpful item to use is a flower cart for creating a color palette, selecting your stems for a large event, or for keeping groups of arrangements together. Navigate through your flower shop with ease by using a wheeled cart. Lastly, by installing shelving units or bookshelves, you can organize vases by size, texture, color, and finish.
Create a Dedicated Area for Finishing Supplies
Since your designing areas have dedicated places for each item, your final decorating area should as well! To prevent a messy area, use a bookcase or shelf to organize your ribbons. Drape any pre-cut butcher paper or design paper on rods to prevent wrinkles and tears. Lastly, maintain a clear counter space so that each arrangement or bouquet can be wrapped for delivery with ease.
Consider a Flower Excursion Near your Flower Shop
An excursion close to your shop can reach and redirect potential clientele to your business! Consider having a pop up at a coffee shop or among local artisans. Work with your community to put up signs with flowers attached to them, or simply stand on a street corner handing out flowers to unsuspecting passersby. If your city allows it, sell small bouquets on the sidewalk in front of your business! People love exclusivity and clever ideas, so use the areas around your flower shop to your advantage!
In Conclusion
Beyond basic cleaning, a little strategic reorganization of your routine can save your flower shop time and money in the long run. By creating a space that improves your workflow, looks great, and feels inviting, you’ll see a positive change in your business!
All photos included are from Pinterest and linked to the original post.