Thinking of Buying a Florist in Australia? Here Are 3 Vital Questions to Ask

Australia’s florist industry generates $1.15 billion in annual revenue, supported by 2,807 enterprises, 2,983 establishments and 6,340 workers nationwide.

Average profit margins sit at 5.1 percent, and revenue is forecast to grow 1.2 percent annually to 2030, driven by sustainability trends, locally grown blooms and continued demand for floral gifting across households, weddings, funerals and corporate clients.

However, florists face intense competition from supermarkets, online-only flower retailers and value-focused alternatives like chocolates and fragrances. Rising costs, volatile consumer sentiment and increased import competition place further pressure on operators, making business model resilience essential.

1. Is the Florist Financially Resilient in a Highly Competitive Market?

Why It Matters:

Florist profitability is sensitive to discretionary spending, import costs, labour intensity and competition from supermarkets that can undercut on price.

While demand spikes during peak events such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, trading outside these periods can be unpredictable.

What to Check:

• Margin performance compared with the 5.1 percent industry benchmark.

• Product mix between floral arrangements (higher margin) and cut flowers (lower margin).

• Purchase costs and exposure to imported flowers, noting 50 percent of flowers sold in Australia are imported.

• Reliance on peak seasonal events versus steady corporate, wedding or funeral clients.

• Labour costs, given floristry requires skilled, trained staff with artistic capability.

2. Does the Business Have a Strong Location, Product Range and Market Position?

Why It Matters:

Foot traffic and catchment demographics are crucial, particularly as supermarkets and greengrocers expand their flower offerings. Online-only retailers also compete on price and convenience.

Traditional florists must differentiate through artistry, customer service, and premium quality.

What to Check:

• Location strength, noting most florists operate in NSW, Victoria and Queensland due to population density.

• Proximity to key markets such as hospitals, funeral homes, event venues and shopping centres.

• Breadth of product range including plants, dried flowers, hampers, chocolates and soft toys.

• Quality and creativity of floral design as a competitive differentiator.

• Online presence, website usability, delivery capabilities and social media engagement.

3. Is the Business Positioned for Future Trends in Sustainability and Technology?

Why It Matters:

Consumers are increasingly conscious of sustainability, local sourcing and eco friendly floristry practices. Technology such as online ordering, AR visualisation and improved cold chain logistics are also reshaping how florists operate.

Businesses that adapt to these shifts can improve margins and secure customer loyalty.

What to Check:

• Use of local, seasonal flowers versus chemically treated imports.

• Adoption of sustainable floristry methods such as biodegradable materials, reusable vessels and reduced floral foam.

• Investment in online ordering platforms, delivery systems and digital marketing.

• Integration of new technologies such as virtual consultations or augmented reality design previews.

• Supplier relationships with local growers, particularly as domestic production becomes more valued.

Ready to Invest in a Thriving Florist Business?

With steady long term demand for flowers across households, events and gifting occasions, florists remain a meaningful part of Australia’s retail landscape.

Success depends on business creativity, sustainable sourcing, strong digital capability and the ability to differentiate from supermarkets and online competitors.

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