CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Florists are expecting higher demand for Mother’s Day flowers at a time when there’s a shortage of flowers to go around.
Jim Phillip of Phillip’s Flowers said more people have been sending flowers this year and not just for holidays like Mother's Day. He believes it’s because, in the past year, people have not been able to see their moms and others as much because of the pandemic.
As for the flower shortage and increases in prices, Phillip said, "It’s maybe not as extreme as some people are making it out to be, but I think it is more extreme this year than we generally have seen in the 98 years we have been in business."
Phillip’s son, James is the company’s chief flower buyer and said the specific flower you’re looking for may not be available this year.
"If you can’t find a specific flower type or category, try to find the next best alternative," he said.
James Phillip said part of the flower shortage is due to transportation issues. He said most flowers come from South America, southeast Asia and the Netherlands. Because there have been fewer international flights, there have been fewer shipments of flowers. Higher costs for gasoline have also increased delivery costs.
"The industry is kind of calling it a perfect storm," he said.
His father suggested that if you're planning to order flowers for Mother's Day, you order early to make sure you get what you want and get flowers to their destinations on time.
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