Local florists are helping Ipswich residents stay positive one bouquet at a time, as the community adjusts to a new way of life amid the coronavirus crisis.
Letitia Cochrane from Stevensons Florist in Yamanto said she’s grateful to still have the opportunity to brighten people’s days with flowers.
“During such uncertain times people can start feeling really down, especially if they can’t leave their homes or see their friends and family,” Ms Cochrane said.
“Flowers can really make a difference. It reminds people that they are being thought of. They can bring people a lot of happiness.
“I’ve done some of our deliveries and have seen people’s reactions myself. You can see it’s changing their mindset and helping them get through these trying times.
Like many small businesses, Stevensons Florist’s sales have taken a hit since the coronavirus outbreak, but Ms Cochrane said they are determined to stay open so long as it’s safe and healthy to do so.
“Our sales have dropped by about 60 per cent, mainly because people are staying home and can’t come into store,” Ms Cochrane said.
Letitia Cochrane from Stevensons Florist in Yamanto
“We’re staying open and following health advice, it’s worth it for the happiness our blooms bring.
“We’re here for the community in that regard. We are doing everything we can to ensure that we can keep spreading that joy.
“We’re all in this together.”
It was a similar story at Ipswich Florist on Brisbane Street.
“We’re still open, as far as we are concerned it’s business as usual until we’re told otherwise,” Ipswich Florist owner Peter Bellingham said.
Suzie Bellingham from Ipswich Florist pictured on Valentine’s Day this year
Florists across the region are adopting non-contact delivery methods in a bid to keep operating, as stricter social distancing rules are introduced.
“While our physical store is still open, we do encourage our customers to either place their orders online or via the phone to comply with social distancing,” Mr Bellingham said.
“Social distancing might mean you can’t see your loved ones, but you can send them flowers to let them know that you’re thinking of them.
“All deliveries can be left on the doorstep reducing contact.”
Stevensons Florist was also taking a new approach in-store and for their deliveries.
“We’re encouraging people not to come into store in groups and also making sure everyone who does come into store sanitises their hands,” Ms Cochrane said.
“We’ve increased general sanitisation in our store and asked that orders are placed remotely so that we minimise all unnecessary contact.
“That includes introducing non-contact delivery whereby we knock on the door and leave the flowers, and then call the customer to let them know the flowers are on their doorstep.”
It’s not just the florists that are switching things up, the youngsters behind Molly’s Self Raising Flowers – a roadside flower stall at Karalee – are also looking at new ways to deliver their posies.
Blooms from Stevensons Florist that’ll brighten anyone’s day
“For obvious reasons we can’t do our stalls, but we know flowers help lift spirits in these tough times and at the moment we have lots of flowers that we just can’t sell,” said Molly Bitmead, the 11 year old who runs the stall with her brother Eli, aged nine.
“We were thinking about doing up little bouquets and posies and offering contactless delivery around Karalee and maybe Karana Downs.
“So we put a post on Facebook asking people if that was something they would be interested in, which got more than 115 comments, all saying an overwhelming yes!
“Now we are doing up some mock posies with a price, which we will share with everyone on Facebook very soon.”
Molly and Eli Bitmead are finding new ways to keep delivering flowers to their community, as they can no longer run their roadside stall due to coronavirus
Want to send someone a bouquet to brighten their day while supporting local business? Contact details for some local florists are listed below.
Know of another fabulous local florist? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll add them to the list.
- Stevensons Florist, place an order online or over the phone on 3288 0373
- Ipswich Florist, place an order online or over the phone on 3281 5066
- Molly’s Self Raising Flowers, check their Facebook page or phone them on 3294 6903
- A Floral Fantasy, place an order over the phone on 3469 1422
- Brassall Florist, check their Facebook page and order over the phone on 3201 6088
A Floral Fantasy located in Ipswich on Warwick Rd..
https://www.facebook.com/AFloralFantasyIpswich/