The average expenditure on flowers leading up to September 1st has reached 2036 rubles, marking an 8% increase compared to the previous year. Data from T-Bank`s services indicates these figures. Analysts predict that August 30th will see the highest total spending on flowers, while August 31st will register the largest number of individual purchases. Overall demand is expected to surge by 64% compared to typical levels in August and September.
Flower shop representatives shared their perspectives on these trends:
Svetlana Kulebyakina, owner of Lana Flowers:
“Prices are rising as usual due to annual indexation. Although this year`s increase in flower costs wasn`t exceptionally high, it`s still present. Customers typically opt for budget-friendly bouquets. The choice often depends on the recipient: a child in elementary school (grades 1-4) for September 1st might receive a small bouquet costing up to 1,500 rubles, while older students have a slightly higher budget. There`s also a growing trend where each student brings a couple of flowers from the class, which are then combined into one large bouquet for the teacher. This is practical for teachers, eliminating the need for 30 separate vases. This year, demand seems a bit lower, with additional gifts like fruit baskets and certificates also being given to teachers.”
Elizaveta Yastova, florist-designer:
“The trend is towards lighter, more natural, farm-style, and meadow-like bouquets with minimal packaging, prioritizing grasses and wildflowers. This year, there`s been a significant number of requests for class-wide bouquets; for older and middle school students, a single collective bouquet costing 7,000-8,000 rubles or more is preferred. For elementary school children, especially first graders, each student brings a personalized bouquet, which could be a single flower artistically arranged or a small composition that is easy for the child to carry.”
Elena, a representative from the Moscow company “Pole-Tsvety”:
“There`s a noticeable trend of economizing in the flower market; people are still buying, but they`re opting for more affordable choices. Collective gifts for teachers and educators are also being considered, likely as a cost-saving measure. Market prices are increasing, particularly for imported flowers. Even local Krasnodar and Moscow region flowers are seeing similar price hikes, comparable to imports. Consequently, people are trying to select from the available assortment while adhering to their predetermined budgets, which I understand are quite constrained.”
The Flowwow service reports that according to their survey, flowers remain the most desired gift for teachers on September 1st, chosen by 45% of respondents. Following flowers, popular gift preferences include confectionery, stationery, and tea sets.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth