Tough times... but our business bloomed
IT has been the hardest of years for almost every business, a year when morale has at times wilted...
But one flower wholesaler has managed to flourish – and even outperform last year’s sales.
J van Vliet has defied the odds amid the struggles of the pandemic and increased its online output.
Nick Matthews, general manager at the Glasgow-based flower group, said his team had seen ‘a big spike’ in dried flower sales.
Mr Matthews said: ‘For obvious reasons, 2020 has been a particularly trying year for everyone in the UK, including the fresh flower industry.
‘We have all needed to adapt to ensure the safety of both staff and customers in order to trade where possible, whilst adhering to strict government guidelines.
‘We have improved our online presence and have continued with contactless deliveries and a click-andcollect service during lockdown.’
He said there was ‘a marked increase’ in general plant sales in the summer, and his business had managed to increase availability by using its own plant nursery in Holland and buying direct from growers ‘to provide a reliable, fresh supply chain’.