Why are flowers in Lagos so pricey? A young man asked me this recently, and it made me realize that many of you might be curious about this too, especially with Valentine’s Day approaching.
Most flowers in Lagos are imported, which means they travel a significant distance. This transportation can drive up flower prices due to fuel costs. When possible, many florists prefer to source local flowers. However, the variety available in Nigeria can be quite limited. For instance, popular blooms like roses are primarily imported from countries like Ecuador or Holland, with few local growers.
Growing flowers takes more time and they have a shorter lifespan compared to vegetables. The extended growing period requires more labor, while their brief shelf life leads to potential waste, making it impractical to purchase large quantities at once.
Flowers, like any product, are influenced by the principles of supply and demand. During peak seasons such as Valentine’s Day, the demand from consumers often exceeds the available supply, prompting growers to raise their prices. These price hikes are then passed down the chain to wholesalers, florists, and ultimately to customers.
Florists in Lagos typically face higher overhead costs than regular retail shops. Handling flowers requires skilled labor, specialized wrapping, and various supplies and tools. A large cooler is essential for storage, and there is always a risk of waste.
Fresh flowers are susceptible to various challenges. Everything must be perfectly coordinated, from the growing season to the shipping logistics and storage. As a florist, a significant portion of my week is spent managing issues that arise during the journey of flowers to my shop.
I often receive calls from suppliers saying things like, “The shipment from Holland was delayed, so your Dutch flowers won’t arrive until Friday,” or “The blush roses you ordered came in as bright pink.” Navigating these complications to ensure you receive exactly what you requested is both costly and time-consuming.
Are they worth the price? Absolutely. Understanding the journey of flowers and the immense effort involved in getting them to your doorstep only adds to their beauty.
Need flowers for any occasion, visit our Flowershop for variety flowers suitable for your needs, we deliver to all locations in Lagos.