Supply chain issues leading to flower shortage, price increase ahead of Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day just a few days away, some are worried that supply chain issues are impacting the floral industry.
Industry experts say that some flowers may be hard to find, and others may cost a little bit more.
“I always advise that they order in advance…some of them walk in here right after they rolled off a barstool and they're not getting anything, because it's gone,” says Kathy Ponti, of Ponti’s Petals.
The Dunellen shop owner says that people should look to buy Valentine’s Day items early due to a global flower and accessory shortage.
“We haven’t been able to get any floral spray paint in at least six months – maybe longer,” Ponti says. “I lost track, that’s how long it’s been.”
Supply chain issues have become the norm and have driven up the prices of goods for suppliers and merchants. Those increases have trickled down to consumers.
“I wish I could charge 1970s prices, but I can’t, so I have to pass it on to the customer,” Ponti says.
The floral industry isn't exempt from supply chain issues
“There are literally over 100 ships waiting off of Los Angeles and Long Beach to get in. There’s not enough longshoremen to bring things in and the same is true with the southern border,” says Jordan Goodman, of MoneyAnswers.com.
Goodman is a business and personal finance expert. He says that consumers can expect some changes when they go out to buy flowers this weekend.
“We don't really grow them very much here in the United States and that's why you're going to see shortages and much higher prices for this Valentine's Day,” Goodman says.
Despite the increase, Ponti says that her customers seemed to have accepted the fact.
“I’m not seeing less orders because of it. But I couldn’t say for sure until the fat lady sings, so to speak,” she says.
Ponti's Petals said for them, business exploded during the lockdown because people weren't able to see their loved ones and they opted to send flowers.