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Discover Enchanting Resources
Grant credits AmericasMart as his go-to resource for keeping his merchandise fresh, high-quality and on trend. Seasonal collections run the gamut of opportunities. He frequently shops with his mother, who provides a second pair of eyes and classic good taste from a different generation. “We walk the floors from top to bottom, even those areas where we don’t buy usually,” says Grant.
“I want to see what showrooms have in their windows. You never know when you’ll get pulled in or what will lead to fresh ideas, new vendors or products.”
He buys for quality, but he’s also learned to vary his selections by thinking of his buyers and clients. “Customers come in all different ages and have different tastes. You can’t stay in business just buying what you love,” he says.
Create a Positive Experience
Being a full-service floral design studio takes special skills and training, not only in the arranging, but in sourcing and marketing botanicals and seasonal items. “People come in all the time and say,
‘it would be so fun to work with flowers.’ Well, it is fun, but it’s also
a lot of scrubbing buckets and carrying heavy containers. It’s not always as glamorous as it looks, and I learned a lot the hard way through doing it,” he says.
To those wanting to add florals to their retail or design mix, Grant suggests:
Start small and build on what customers request, i.e. florals for a party or the holidays.
A love of flowers and some creativity are essential. So is a willingness to improve your technique and listen to your clients’ ideas.
Learn the business end. Working with someone who does this work will help you avoid common mistakes like over or under-ordering. Doing is learning.
Include a mix of gift items to complement the seasonal and floral offerings. ■
For more information, visit zebgrantdesign.com. Images courtesy of Zeb Grant Design
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