Consumers are being urged to rally around local businesses this Mother’s Day as they bid to blossom after a turbulent period.
One Lower Hunter business owner has already received much-needed support during the coronavirus crisis.
The disastrous impact of COVID-19 initially forced Morpeth Flower Gallery owner Suzanne Chapman to close her doors.
However, after all major orders were cancelled, including weddings and corporate events, she was pushed to adapt to the changing situation.
“It forced me to evaluate my business and put in different boundaries,” she says.
“I had zero money in the bank, I was faced with one bouquet going into the next week, and I was left owing a lot of money to the growers.”
Since reopening her business a few weeks ago, Suzanne has been inundated with orders.
“I’ve never been busier,” she says.
“The locals are just amazing; I suppose it’s because people can’t go and see their relatives, so they are phoning up and delivering beautiful bouquets to their grandparents and parents.”
Suzanne adds delivering the flowers is a way for her to spread some joy; she can develop a social connection and check in to see if the recipient is okay.
The gallery has received so many orders that Suzanne has been forced to put limits in place.
“I want to deliver a beautiful quality bouquet to everyone, so I’ve put limits on orders telling people they have to pre-order to ensure I have time to put them together,” she says.
The business is taking orders for Mother’s Day, on Sunday 10 May, up until tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday 5 May).
Suzanne says the most popular flower for Mother’s Day is the chrysanthemum but, in her shop, people are loving native flowers, like proteas and banksias.
She adds that, while the pandemic has had disastrous impacts on small businesses, it will help them move forward and plan for the future.
For more information, visit the Morpeth Flower Gallery’s website.
Several other businesses are also offering products for Mother’s Day, including Scrubba Body, Earp Distilling Co and Alleyway Family Art Studio.
All organisations offer contactless delivery.
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