There’s a special place in my heart for men who buy flowers.  Especially if they’re going through the checkout lane at the supermarket.  Maybe they can’t afford an expensive arrangement from a florist for their loved one.  But they’re still bringing her flowers.  However, you don’t see that so much anymore.  Walked in the supermarket and found buckets of fresh flowers on sale for $1 a bunch.  What is happening?  Obviously, they didn’t sell nearly as many as they had expected last week.  When money is tight and inflation is surging,  discretionary spending takes a hit.  And if you can barely afford hot dogs, you’re certainly not going to buy a bunch of roses for your wife or girlfriend.   Where will all the flowers go now?

Florists must be feeling the pinch.  Lately, I’ve had friends complaining of expensive floral arrangements that didn’t last more than a couple of days.  Which means florists are using up old flowers that they ordered, based on last years sales data.  Ditto for the supermarkets.  It’s a bonanza , though, for anyone who has a few extra dollars to spend.  Especially since this summer drought ruined most of the lilies  and other garden flowers I’ve always gathered in years past.

Just read in the paper that Walmart sales have taken a hit. Discretionary spending is way down.  Not only are they selling fewer fresh flowers, but probably lots of other merchandise. If  you’ve stopped traveling  and eating out so much,  you really don’t need new clothes.  My closet is full of outfits I haven’t even worn this summer.  Mostly, I’m saving on laundry by wearing the same clothes over again the next day. .  Who cares how you look at the grocery store when you’re wearing a mask because of Covid,  and no one even recognizes you?

It’s a sign of the times.  When we see more people buying fresh flowers at the supermarket, we will know that we’re coming out of this recession and inflation has stopped rising.   Meanwhile, where will all the flowers go?