SRI RACHA, THAILAND – Flower shops in Sri Racha saw a surge in customers ahead of Valentine’s Day, with young people flocking to buy bouquets while prices stayed largely stable thanks to cheaper imports from China.
Steady prices despite Valentine’s rush
At the Oat Flower Decor shop near Assumption College Sri Racha, owner Sitaphat Wariswichayakit reported a noticeable increase in business in the run-up to the holiday. She said that prices had risen for the celebration of love, but only within a moderate range.
“Traders increasingly relied on imports from China, whose lower purchase prices calmed the market and prevented the sharper price jumps seen in earlier years.”
said Sitaphat Wariswichayakit, shop owner.
Red roses dominate, other blooms follow
Undisputed bestsellers remained red roses, seen as symbols of deep love, passion, romance and strong desire. Customers also increasingly chose tulips, sunflowers, hydrangeas, red carnations, alstroemerias and white lilies, whose prices were also only slightly adjusted, according to the shop operator.
Budget-friendly bouquets for young buyers
Many buyers opted for ready-made bouquets, offered in a wide range of styles and starting at around 100 Baht, with higher prices depending on budget and design. Customers could tell florists their spending limit and have individual arrangements created, although demand during Valentine’s week naturally led to small surcharges.
Teenagers stick with classic red roses
Eighteen-year-old customer Thorachayan Winyasukh confirmed that teenagers still preferred red roses as the standard gift for secret crushes or steady partners to send romantic messages.
“Young people still love giving that special person red roses,”
said Thorachayan Winyasukh, customer.
“Handwritten cards and chocolate are often added as well.”
said Thorachayan Winyasukh, customer.
Trendy Velvet creations alongside fresh and artificial flowers
An inspection in the shop showed numerous pre-orders, with bouquets ranging in price from a few hundred to several thousand Baht and including both classic fresh flowers and artificial versions. In addition to the more expensive but particularly vibrant fresh flowers and the cheaper, longer-lasting artificial flowers, elaborately wire-wrapped Velvet creations in various shapes were currently in vogue and attracted growing interest among younger buyers.
Sri Racha in full Valentine’s mood
Many young people used the bouquets as surprises before heading out on dates, going to the cinema, strolling through shopping malls or eating together. With Valentine’s Day on 14 February approaching, a clearly noticeable romantic atmosphere had already developed in Sri Racha, with flowers at the center as a timeless expression of affection and admiration.