With rising prices for fresh flowers, bouquets made from real money are attracting customers during International Women's Day (March 8th).

The price of fresh flowers has increased sharply, especially for imported roses. Photo: Thanh Phuc

Fresh flowers are a traditional and most popular gift for women on special occasions. However, this year,fresh flower prices,Especially imported flowers, which are 2-3 times more expensive than before Tet, have led most flower shops to only import a limited quantity. Instead, shops are importing large quantities of seasonal flowers such as chrysanthemums, lilies, and climbing roses because of their affordable prices.

“Compared to previous years, the fresh flower market is less vibrant this year. Currently, the shop has only received orders from individual customers and not large orders from agencies or offices. Most customers order bouquets and flower arrangements priced from 300,000 to 500,000 VND, while arrangements costing millions of VND are very rare. These days, flower prices are high; Da Lat roses cost 100,000 - 150,000 VND per stem, Ecuadorian roses cost 200,000 - 250,000 VND per stem… The price of flower arrangements ranges from 250,000 to 1 million VND depending on the type of flowers and the size of the arrangement,” said Ms. Mai Oanh, the owner of a fresh flower shop on Nguyen Van Cu Street.

Due to the high price of fresh flowers, the number of customers has decreased compared to previous years. Photo: Thanh Phuc

In particular, in recent years, many people have chosen to get married.bouquet made of real moneyTo give as gifts to loved ones during this holiday season, Mr. Vo Tuan Khang, a customer, said: “After receiving my first monthly salary, I wanted to buy a gift for my mother for the holiday. I didn't know what clothes or jewelry would be suitable and practical, and giving it in an envelope wouldn't be very polite, so I chose to give my mother a bouquet of real money. It cost a few hundred thousand more for the labor and accessories, but I'm very satisfied.”

Bouquets and flower arrangements made from real money are very popular with customers. Photo: Thanh Phuc

Responding to customer demand, many flower and gift shops are adding a service called "Arranging flowers with real money." These bouquets are made from new banknotes of various denominations, ranging from a few hundred thousand to a few million or even tens of millions of dong, depending on customer needs. The fee for each bouquet varies depending on the amount of money and the complexity of the arrangement.

Ms. Mai Ngoc, the owner of a gift shop in Nghi Hoa ward (Cua Lo town), said: “Last year during the holiday season, the shop only received about 10 orders for flower arrangements made from real money, each bouquet costing from 300,000 VND to several million VND. The main customers were people working far from home or working abroad, who ordered from the shop by phone to give as gifts to their mothers, wives, or girlfriends. This year, even though the holiday isn't over yet, we've already received about 20 orders for flower arrangements made from real money. The amount of money in the bouquet is determined by the customer, and we receive between 100,000 and 1 million VND in commission per bouquet (depending on the value, amount of money, and complexity).”

Fruit gift baskets are quite popular during this holiday season. Photo: Thanh Phuc

These bouquets and flower arrangements made of real money are not only popular in cities but have also spread to rural and mountainous areas. Many people choose them as gifts during holidays and festivals. Therefore, this service is quite booming, and flower shops and gift shops often offer this service to meet customer demand.

Besides that, fruit baskets are also a popular gift choice for women during this holiday. The price of these fruit baskets ranges from 500,000 to 700,000 VND per basket, or even up to a million VND per basket if you choose a large one with premium fruits like grapes, cherries, and Taiwanese custard apples. Alternatively, bouquets made from accessories, candies, chocolates, and cakes are also a popular alternative to fresh flowers.

Fashion shops are launching various promotional programs to stimulate shopping during the March 8th holiday. Photo: Thanh Phuc

To stimulate consumer demand, thefashion shop, cosmetics shop,Jewelry stores have launched numerous promotional programs to attract customers during this shopping season. Ms. Nguyen Ha Trang, owner of a clothing shop on Dang Thai Than Street (Vinh City), said: “Currently, it's the transitional season, so buying dresses, shirts, and pants as gifts for women during this holiday is very suitable. The shop has also imported many new designs and offered many promotions such as discounts, free gift wrapping, gift shipping, or 'buy 2 get 1 free', couple shirts… to attract customers. As a result, sales have increased by about 50-70% compared to a week ago.”

These days, many stores and shopping malls are simultaneously launching discount and promotional programs with up to 80% off on fashion items, accessories, and jewelry. Many jewelry stores, in addition to offering gifts and discounts, are also reducing crafting fees, giving away gifts and shopping vouchers, or offering movie tickets and lucky draws…

The market for gifts on International Women's Day (March 8th) has therefore become more vibrant despite the complicated developments of the pandemic. Photo: Thanh Phuc

The shopping promotion programs have successfully tapped into consumer psychology, stimulating purchases and thus increasing the consumption of gift items during this holiday season, making the market more vibrant.