Hong Kong’s floral business anticipates one of its most challenging Valentine’s Day periods as the romantic holiday, typically a peak revenue event, immediately precedes the highly anticipated Lunar New Year long weekend. This calendar convergence, which encourages a mass exodus of residents, is projected to decimate usual sales volumes, prompting retailers and importers to drastically modify supply chain and marketing strategies nationwide. Industry experts predict a substantial decline in earnings compared to previous years, forcing a radical shift in how shops typically prepare for the February 14 celebration.
Calendar Conflict Spurs Trade Uncertainty
Valentine’s Day consistently ranks among the top three sales days for Hong Kong’s approximately 400 flower shops, alongside Chinese New Year and Mother’s Day. However, with the Lunar New Year holiday commencing just days after February 14, many residents have prioritized extended family trips and long-break getaways over traditional romantic expenditures.
A representative from the Hong Kong Flower Retailers Association expressed serious concern over the timing. “We are looking at a potential 40 to 50 percent drop in revenue compared to a normal Valentine’s Day,” the representative stated, calling the timing “the worst possible scenario” for the sector.
The situation is compounded by typical working patterns in the city. Since the Lunar New Year’s Eve falls on a Monday, many employees are taking Friday off, creating an extended five-day vacation that starts just before Valentine’s Day. This trend has already translated into lost business, with one manager operating multiple outlets noting the cancellation of “more than 20 regular corporate clients’ Valentine’s Day orders” due to planned travel. Hong Kong’s Tourism Board projects that over one million residents will depart the city during the Chinese New Year period, based on early booking data.
Supply Chain Adjustments Under Duress
The projected decline in local demand has created immense pressure on the flower supply chain, particularly for importers who typically arrange shipments months in advance. Hong Kong sources approximately 80 percent of its Valentine’s Day roses from South America and East Africa.
Importers have been scrambling to reevaluate inventory orders, which are usually locked in three to four months prior. One major import executive confirmed cutting orders by 35 percent but still expressed nervousness about surplus inventory. “If we’ve miscalculated, we’ll be left with tonnes of unsold roses that will be worthless by February 16,” the executive explained, noting limited flexibility from overseas growers who have already committed greenhouse space and labor.
Simultaneously, local growers in areas like Yuen Long and Sheung Shui are strategically pivoting away from roses toward traditional New Year flora, such as narcissus and peach blossoms, which offer more assured sales during the concurrent holiday.
Retailers Implement Adaptive Strategies
In an effort to mitigate sharp income losses, florists are introducing highly adaptive sales techniques aimed at shifting the holiday timeline. Several retailers are offering “pre-Valentine’s packages” for delivery on February 12 and 13, targeting couples scheduled to leave the city before the weekend begins. Others are promoting travel-friendly options, including smaller bouquets or preserved flowers that customers can easily transport.
“We are essentially attempting to pull the holiday forward by two days,” one retailer admitted.
Additionally, many high-end florists are redirecting their focus toward the hotel and upscale restaurant sector, realizing that these establishments often remain busy with international visitors and locals celebrating in the city. While these orders provide some relief, industry veterans anticipate reduced overall demand compared to years where the holidays did not overlap.
Despite the widespread shift in strategy, most in the industry have settled into a period of significantly lowered expectations. The Hong Kong Flower Retailers Association has cautioned members to exercise extreme diligence in inventory management to prevent heavy losses on perishable goods. The challenging experience serves as a clear indication that florists may need to incorporate greater flexibility into future planning to account for the growing frequency of overseas travel during peak holidays.