Victorian florists scramble as Valentine’s Day turns to shambles

·

Florists in Victoria are scrambling to figure out how to deal with extra stock as the state enters a stage-four five-day lockdown.

Valentine’s Day, along with the day prior, is one of the busiest times of the year for florists. Hundreds of people typically seen lining up to buy roses or other flowers for their significant other.

February 13, 2021; Silence. Streets are empty as florists sit wondering how to sell their fresh stock of flowers.

“We’re just in a state of shock and disbelief. The timing couldn’t be any worse,” Florist Michael Pavlou, who has two stores in Melbourne, said to ABC News.

Azalea florist owner Michael Pavlou. Photo: South Melbourne Markets

“We’re holding so much perishable stock, it’s potentially shattering for a lot of Victorian small businesses. We’re holding so much value of red roses and perishable items. If they don’t find homes, it will put us back years.”

He said he hoped to be able to sell some of his stock online.

“Valentine’s Day, it’s a big thing. People are working on it for at least a month out, we have been ready, preparing all of our arrangements for a couple of days. A team of 10 people every day,” he said.

“So, it’s not just the loss of the goods, it’s the labour that’s already been invested. You can’t recover that and I am concerned for a lot of my friends who might not survive this,” he said.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Arsenal close in on Greek wonderkid Konstantinos Karetsas

Arsenal are reportedly in advanced talks to sign 17-year-old Greek attacking midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas from Belgian side Genk.

Historic Greek orphanage on Prinkipos to be revived as hotel

The Ecumenical Patriarchate has approved plans to transform the former Greek orphanage on Prinkipos, off the coast of Istanbul, into a hotel.

Greek hospitality meets harbour views at Sydney’s newest spot, Akti

Sydney’s Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf has received a vibrant Greek twist with the recent opening of Akti, a contemporary Greek restaurant.

Crash survivor Paris Cockinos urges Aussies to donate blood

Paris Cockinos was left fighting for his life after a motorcycle accident in 2020 that resulted in severe internal injuries and fractures.

Fishermen see hope return amid Greece’s trawler ban

Greece’s remote Fournoi archipelago, rich in coral reefs and marine biodiversity, is set to benefit from a government ban on bottom trawling.

You May Also Like

Insight or Perspective: What makes a good bilingual children’s book?

So, what makes a good bilingual book for our bilingual child?

EU health body warns against visiting Greek islands over COVID-19

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is discouraging all but essential travel to and from thirteen Aegean islands.

Underwater museum in Alonissos recognised with prestigious European award

“Thessaly’s Underwater Museums prove that anything is possible through cooperation and a united front," governor of Thessaly Kostas Agorastos said.