Atlanta, Minneapolis, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Chicago & Waukegan (IL) are among many U.S. cities where area florists will be brightening the days of random passersby on October 19. It’s all part of the nationwide ‘Petal it Forward’ program, in partnership with the Society of American Florists (SAF) of which floral wholesaler Kennicott Brothers Company is a member. ‘Petal It Forward’ is in response to data culled by SAF showing the positive emotional benefits of flowers.
“This is happening Wednesday in over 200 cities nationwide,” said Joe Barnes of Kennicott Brothers, who helps coordinate some of the marketing efforts in their contributing service areas. “Our florist customers are really stepping it up and preparing to hand out thousands of stems to unsuspecting commuters and pedestrians. It will make for a really positive day across social media, and face-to-face with real people who can’t help but to smile at being handed flowers.”
Each Petal It Forward team (see below for participating area florists) is not only spreading happiness to lucky people who receive the flowers, but arming these recipients with the tools they need to Petal it Forward and spread happiness to others: An extra flower bouquet to share with a loved one, coworker or even a stranger. Recipients are asked to spread the happiness by gifting their extra bouquet, then sharing selfies on social media tagging #petalitforward.
Participating florists in your area, with contact info:
Atlanta, GA:
K Mike Whittle Unique Floral Designs (K Mike Whittle) 770-499-1700
Minneapolis, MN:
St. Cloud Floral & Gifts (Rhoda Paurus) 320-251-3093; r_paurus(at)yahoo(dot)com
Lindskoog Florist (Dick Lindskoog) 612-333-5357; dick(at)Lflorist(dot)com
Chicago, IL:
CityScents Floral & Home (Theresa Montana) 312-836-0211; cityscentschicago(at)gmail(dot)com
Ashland Addison Florist (Sydney Lewis) 312-432-1800; sydney(at)ashaddflorist(dot)com
Waukegan, IL:
The Posh Posie Petaler (Caryn Wolf) 847-924-9122; carynwolf54(at)gmail(dot)com
Indianapolis, IN:
Zionsville Flower Company (Brian Davies) 317-867-2926; saleszfc(at)gmail(dot)com
Banner Flower House (Michelle Herr) 765-459-5166; juno.meherr(at)juno(dot)com
Grand Rapids, MI:
The Posh Posie Petaler (Caryn Wolf) 847-924-9122; carynwolf54(at)gmail(dot)com
Last year SAF conducted a survey of 2,500 people throughout the U.S. to uncover the impact of flowers on Americans. The results revealed the many benefits of flowers, including the positive impact flowers have on one’s emotions and happiness, and backed up previous research studies on flowers conducted by Rutgers, Harvard and Texas A&M.
The following are highlights from SAF’s recent survey results:
- When it comes to happiness, it’s just as good to give flowers as it is to receive: 88 percent of Americans report that giving flowers makes them feel happy, while 80 percent reported that receiving flowers makes them feel happy.
- Just being around flowers improves your mood:76 percent of Americans agree that having flowers in their home or office improves their mood
- The best reason to receive flowers is “just because”: Women (92 percent) are more likely to agree with this, but the majority of men (three in four) also share this sentiment
- Florists to the rescue! Nearly four in 10 Americans indicate florists have helped them in a past or current relationship; most frequently to say “I love you,” or schedule a surprise delivery.
Petal it forward
For more information on the #PetalItForward, visit http://www.aboutflowers.com and http://www.aboutflowersblog.com.
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About Kennicott Brothers:
Kennicott Brothers Company is the Midwest’s largest floral wholesaler, serving retail florists and floral design professionals since 1881. CEO Harrison “Red” Kennicott is a fifth-generation pioneer in the growing and distribution of fresh flowers and floral supplies, now through 17 locations serving 10 states. In the year 2000, Kennicott Brothers Company became 100% employee-owned.
About the Society of American Florists:
The Society of American Florists is the national trade association to the floral industry, representing growers, wholesalers, retailers, suppliers, importers, educators, designers and allied organizations. The association was chartered by an act of Congress in 1884.
About the Society of American Florists’ Survey:
The omnibus survey was conducted using the field services of TNS from March 5-9, 2015 among a representative sample of 2,500 Americans, ages 18 and older. The margin of error for total Americans is plus or minus 1.9 percent. If the study was to be replicated, findings would not vary by more than 1.9 percentage points in either direction 95 times out of 100.
Source: Kennicott Brothers