Chennai’s Florists Flourish Amid Changing Trends.
Chennai’s flower market is blooming with evolving customer preferences, extending beyond traditional birthdays and anniversaries. “We eagerly await special occasions like Valentine’s Day, International Women’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Friendship Day when sales peak,” says Prakash, who has run Prema Flower Cart on Anna Nagar’s Fifth Avenue for the past six years. “Even small corporate companies nearby buy flowers for their employees on Women’s Day.”
Prakash sources his flowers directly from a dealer in Hosur, avoiding trips to Koyambedu. Alongside his wife, he crafts bouquets by the roadside. “We prepare a few bouquets in the morning, hoping customers will stop by. Many buy bouquets on their way to functions,” he shares.
A Passionate Career Shift
Prakash transitioned from retail to floristry, seeking a slower pace and more family time. “People questioned why I left retail to sell flowers, but it was a passion. I wanted to start something of my own, even if it was just a roadside shop. I taught myself to make bouquets. In floristry, both seller and buyer find joy in the exchange,” he reflects.
Manu, another florist on Fifth Avenue, offers a contrasting perspective. “There’s no proper sleep in this job because we have to wake up early. Some customers prefer flowers from high-end shops, though we offer the same quality. We just don’t have the funds to build a fancy store,” says Manu, who runs his uncle’s shop. His business fluctuates, with some days seeing around 10 customers, and other days none, leaving him in a state of constant anticipation.
Embracing Tradition
Gandhinathan, owner of Kurinchi Florist on Fourth Avenue, has been in the business for 18 years, sticking to local flowers rather than exotic imports. “Around two decades ago, someone from Australia came to Chennai to teach bouquet-making. That’s how I gained the knowledge to start my shop using flowers from the southern States,” he explains. “Chennaiites used to prefer basket bouquets, but now many request flowers simply tied with a ribbon.”
On special occasions like Valentine’s Day, the demand for flowers rises, but so do the prices at Koyambedu, forcing florists to adjust their rates. Despite changing trends, Gandhinathan notes that classic roses and gerberas remain timeless, just as they were when he first started his shop.