Karen Violetti

Review for Good Morning America: Support Local Florists This Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day is one of the biggest floral holidays of the year, but many people don’t realize that ordering through third-party floral systems is actually hurting small businesses. These big-name order-gathering services take a huge cut—sometimes over 30%—from local florists, leaving them with barely enough to cover costs, let alone make a profit. Independent flower shops are the heart of our communities. They’re the ones designing the bouquets, sourcing fresh flowers, and making sure your loved ones receive something beautiful and personal. But when you order through a third-party service, most of your money goes to middlemen, not to the florists who actually create the arrangements. This takes away from small business owners and their families—literally putting less food on their tables. If you want quality, fresh flowers and to truly support your community, go straight to a local florist. Call them directly, visit their shop, or order through their website. You’ll get better service, fresher flowers, and you’ll be keeping small businesses alive. This Valentine’s Day, make a conscious choice. Support the real people behind the flowers—not the corporations taking advantage of them.