Presenting

6 September 2022 welcome W ith summer offi cially coming to an end, you are, no doubt, neck deep in planning for the fall and winter holidays. And we hope you are because, at least for Christmas and Hanukkah, many retail experts are predicting that U.S. consumers will start shopping for gifts and decorations earlier than ever this year! While many retailers in the U.S., both large and small, have concerns about consumer spending for the 2022 holiday season, many authorities on retailing and the economy are currently predicting that sales will increase by around 3.5 percent over 2021; however, it is important to note that this is less than the current rate of infl ation in the U.S. While consumer spending and retail sales nationally have slowed as of late, recent surveys show that 40 percent of Americans are still willing to incur debt to buy gifts and decorations for the holiday. To help you prepare for and execute an effi cient and successful holiday season, we have packed lots of information and inspiration into this issue. Among the biggest challenges many fl orists face are 1) creating new revenue streams and 2) getting shoppers into their stores. A great way to do both of those things at once—and to establish long-lasting relationships with consumers—is to host holiday design workshops. In our article, "An Insider's Guide to Holiday Workshops," fi ve fl orists from across North America share their strategies for planning for and conducting workshops in their stores, at off -site locations and online, including the types of designs that generate the most interest, ideal class sizes, determining how much to charge and marketing ideas. You'll also want to check out "Holiday Prep 101", which is chock-full of ideas for getting ready for the busy season ahead, including design ideas, things to be doing now and so much more. It should be a great help! In this issue, you'll also see the winning designs in Alexandra Farm's 2022 "Garden Rose Design Contest," as well as our own most recent "Best in Blooms" design contest. And because we have such a diverse readership, with broad-ranging interests, we off er features on how to make exquisite paper roses, trends and new developments in permanent botanicals, and what's happening with Instagram. We work hard every month to create something for everyone, and we hope you will fi nd several things that are interesting, inspirational, informative and useful to you. Finally, as always, I must thank everyone who contributed to this beautiful issue and, especially, our loyal subscribers and marketing partners, who make it all possible! creativecandles.com/wholesale creativecandles.com/wholesale Reflect the most colorful season with our artisan, small-batch candles. Captured in a wide spectrum of natural shades and attractive sheens, each one is hand-crafted with the greatest attention to quality and detail to enhance the beauty of your arrangements. promise EVERY CANDLE I S A Kindest regards, Jules Lewis Gibson President & Creative Director Florists' Review Media Group

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