Florist warns of price hikes as tariffs disrupt Mother’s Day sales

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — People are starting to feel the impacts of the tariffs put in place by the Trump administration including a Downtown Wilmington florist. 

With Mother’s Day approaching, flowers are a popular item right now.   

 We spoke with a local florist to hear how she is being affected. 

“A 100-dollar arrangement is up to 130 or higher,” Cholanian shared.  

For Maria Cholanian, owner of Flora Verdi, a floral shop in Downtown Wilmington, Mother’s Day is usually a blooming business season, but this year, she’s facing a different reality. 

“It’s really the first year that I have actually had to put a notice on my website to alert people to the fact that prices between the dates of May 5th and May 12th, which is next Monday, the day after Mother’s Day are going to be going up around 30%. 30 to 35%,” Cholanian explained

Cholanian says the Trump administration’s tariffs on foreign products are affecting business. 

She imports her glassware from China and orders flowers from Canada, Europe, and South America which will make it difficult to turn a profit. 

“The business owners and the customers are the ones who are paying for it. It’s always small businesses too, it is tough, it’s really tough to make a living,” Cholanian said with emotion.  

Despite the higher costs, Cholanian says she’s determined to provide her customers with the best arrangements. 

“I will not take advantage of anybody. Whatever flowers come out of here comes from the heart and soul. The product just has to be the best. So, I just want customers to know that even though they are paying a little bit more this year, they’re going to get beautiful stuff,” Cholanian expressed.  

Cholanian adds she is not a fan of the tariffs, but she likes to remain optimistic and is hopeful it will amount to something good.