NEW YORK—Florists face a unique challenge in May: maximizing sales during Mother’s Day, a top-revenue holiday, while navigating the profound emotional complexities the date presents for a significant portion of the population, experts state. Industry leaders are advocating for a shift toward marketing strategies that acknowledge grief, family complexity, and diverse maternal figures to foster greater customer loyalty and expand market reach.
The focus on traditional celebration often overlooks individuals grappling with loss, strained relationships, infertility, or the absence of a maternal figure. By broadening their messaging and adopting sensitive language, florists can create a supportive retail environment that validates varied customer experiences without diminishing the joy of those celebrating their mothers.
Acknowledging Emotional Diversity in the Market
Mother’s Day is not universally joyful, according to floricultural marketing specialists who note that customers include those grieving deceased mothers or children, individuals estranged from family, and those dealing with struggles such as pregnancy loss or infertility. Recognizing this emotional landscape is critical for effective and compassionate commerce. This nuanced approach involves moving beyond generic, universal statements.
“[Phrases like] ‘every mother deserves flowers’ can be painful for those whose relationships are complicated or who have suffered loss,” one industry brief suggested. Instead, inclusive language focuses on invitation and appreciation: “Honor the nurturers in your life” or “For those celebrating mothers and maternal figures.” This language respects the gravity of diverse life situations while fulfilling commercial goals. Moreover, shaming tactics that imply inadequate caregiving for not buying specific items are strongly discouraged.
Expanding the Definition of Maternal Love
A key recommendation for florists is to expand beyond biological mothers. Campaigns should honor the concept of nurturing by including grandmothers, aunts, godmothers, foster parents, mentors, and chosen family members. This not only validates broader family structures but also significantly expands the potential customer base.
Marketing materials should also acknowledge different forms of motherhood, from new mothers and those who have lost children to women who mentor others professionally.
To better serve those who find the holiday itself painful, florists are advised to adopt a “May Appreciation” approach. This strategy suggests distributing the promotional focus throughout the month, encouraging customers to honor significant figures on alternative dates. Some businesses now offer easy opt-out links for Mother’s Day email campaigns to accommodate those who wish to avoid the holiday entirely, demonstrating respect for mental and emotional boundaries.
Operational Sensitivity and Staff Training
Operational adjustments are equally important. Training staff to handle sensitive interactions is crucial, particularly as many Mother’s Day purchases are remembrance flowers. Staff should be trained to use open, neutral questions (“what kind of arrangement are you looking for today?”) rather than assuming a celebratory purpose. Florists should also consider creating dedicated “In Remembrance” or sympathy collections, particularly offering cemetery-appropriate arrangements, to make the process easier for grieving customers.
Furthermore, acknowledging the pressure felt by mothers themselves—who are also customers—can open new avenues for self-care marketing. Offering arrangements that promote self-gifting or relaxation recognizes maternal burnout, resonating deeply with those who find the holiday exhausting.
By embracing complexity and promoting inclusivity, florists can build deeper customer trust and loyalty. This balanced approach ensures that Mother’s Day remains a significant economic opportunity while affirming a brand identity rooted in compassion and emotional intelligence. The shift underscores a growing trend in retail to recognize the full humanity of the customer base.