Hong Kong florists anticipate a significant decline in revenue for Valentine’s Day this year as the proximity of the Chinese New Year holiday encourages a mass exodus of residents, jeopardizing one of the industry’s most critical sales days. With Lunar New Year celebrations scheduled immediately following February 14, industry experts project a revenue decrease potentially reaching 40 to 50 percent compared to typical romantic holiday returns, forcing businesses to rapidly adjust inventory, supply chains, and sales strategies amid a rare calendar conflict.
The confluence of the two major holidays—Valentine’s Day and the highly anticipated, extended break for Chinese New Year—has created what some within the industry describe as a “perfect storm” of cancellations and lowered consumer demand. Traditionally, Valentine’s Day ranks among the top three revenue-generating days for the estimated 400 flower shops across Hong Kong, alongside Mother’s Day and the New Year period. However, internal industry data suggests many residents have prioritized extended family trips to mainland China or international destinations, effectively abandoning the traditional Valentine’s romantic gestures in favor of holiday travel.
Mass Travel Triggers Order Cancellations
The logistical challenge is compounded by local working patterns. With Chinese New Year’s Eve commencing on a Monday many residents are utilizing annual leave to generate a continuous five-day holiday that often begins on the Friday preceding Valentine’s Day. This shift in priority has translated directly into diminished corporate and individual orders.
A senior member of the Hong Kong Flower Retailers Association noted the timing “couldn’t be worse for our industry,” reflecting the widespread concern. Reports from flower shop managers confirm significant business losses, with one manager operating multiple outlets in Central and Admiralty stating that over 20 regular corporate clients had canceled their Valentine’s Day orders, citing travel plans to regions like Guangdong, Japan, and Thailand. Projections from the Hong Kong Tourism Board, based on advance flight and hotel bookings, indicate that over 1 million residents are expected to depart the city during the Chinese New Year period, making a substantial dent in the potential customer base for florists.
Supply Chain Scramble and Inventory Risk
The rapid change in demand has sent ripples through the international supply chain. Florists typically arrange shipments of roses, 80 percent of which are imported from South America and East Africa, three to four months in advance. Faced with the sudden downturn, major importers reportedly scaled back orders by 35 percent.
According to one executive at a prominent flower import company, despite the cuts, there remains significant anxiety regarding overstocking. “If we’ve miscalculated, we’ll be left with tonnes of unsold roses that will be worthless by February 16,” the executive explained, noting the difficulty in renegotiating contracts with overseas growers who had already committed greenhouse space and labor based on original forecasts.
Locally, farmers in Yuen Long and Sheung Shui, who contribute approximately 15 percent of the market supply, are strategically shifting production. Several growers confirmed they are dedicating more resources to cultivating traditional Chinese New Year flowers, such as peach blossoms and narcissus, at the expense of red roses, citing the guaranteed demand for New Year items compared to the uncertain fate of Valentine’s stock.
Retailers Adapt with Early Promotions
To mitigate significant losses, Hong Kong florists are implementing adaptive strategies aimed at capturing sales before residents leave. Retailers are promoting “pre-Valentine’s packages” for delivery on February 12 and 13, essentially moving the focus of the holiday forward by several days. Other shops are pushing smaller, more durable arrangements—including travel-friendly options and preserved flowers—that customers can take on their trips.
Key retailers have also reallocated resources toward the hotel and high-end restaurant sector, which is still expected to see brisk business from international visitors and residents who remain in the city. Major hotels, including The Peninsula Hong Kong and The Ritz-Carlton, have placed orders for decorative displays, although these orders are reportedly smaller than in typical years.
Despite creative promotional efforts, organizations like the Hong Kong Flower Retailers Association have advised members to exercise caution and manage inventory conservatively. However, industry observers suggest this difficult year may serve as a crucial “wake-up call” for the sector, prompting florists to build greater flexibility into their supply chains and explore diversifying revenue streams beyond traditional seasonal peak days in the future.