Mother's Day Flowers Feel the Pinch: Tariffs Trim Profits for Florists

Mother's Day Blooms Under Tariff Pressure: How Increased Import Costs Affect Florists This Mother's Day, the floral industry faces a unique challenge: higher tariffs on imported flowers. While Americans plan to spend over \$3 billion on flowers, the added costs are impacting businesses of all sizes. The CBS Evening News Plus report highlights the situation, interviewing florists and industry experts to understand the full impact. Small flower shops, often relying on imported blooms, are seeing their profit margins squeezed. Rebecca Kutcher Rice of Moonshot Farm in East Windsor, New Jersey, explains, "Mother's Day is like our Super Bowl, basically." However, she notes that the tariffs, which weren't factored into their yearly budget, could cost her business \$40,000-50,000 a year. Despite the challenges, the industry remains optimistic. Kate Penn, CEO of the Society of American Florists, points out that domestically grown flowers are increasingly popular, particularly among brides who prefer local options. She adds, "There are literally countless substitutions, and florists are just masters at creating something that's still going to make a big impact." The report concludes by emphasizing the resilience of the industry and the creativity of florists in adapting to changing economic conditions. Consumers can still find beautiful bouquets, but they may need to adjust their budgets accordingly.