Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Kris Keach checked it out.
He found out if the economic crunch is hurting florists bottom line... And you may be surprised to hear that in some instances sales are better than you'd think.


Every year mom takes center stage on this day and for most of us that means flowers.
But what are the florists seeing?
At Down To Earth Flowers and Gifts..

Lori Gardner: "We saw a slight decline in business this year, a lot of late ordering compared to last year and not so many people sending early."

But not in dollars spent per customer.

Lori Gardner: "I think they're spending more this year. I would say that our average floral arrangement is between 55 and 80 dollars.
And at Staker Flowers they've been busy but...

Betsy Monson: "The arrangements seem to be a little less money but we've had about the same amount. But they're just spending a little bit less."

Florists say bottom line they're at or ahead of last year's profits because people eventually buy.
But why?

Lori Gardner: "Mother's Day they have everything so you send 'em flowers and you don't want to skimp. It's your mom."
How are people paying for their orders?

Lori Gardner: "The last probably five years they've used more credit cards than cash."
And while times are tough it's still Mother's Day.

Susan Stewart: "The economy hasn't changed what I would spend. Mother's are still special and I think they should be treated as special."

Dennis Keiser: "Combined its cost me quite a bit more this year. But I don't care that's great Mother's Day is a great day of the year."

Just for the record I spent about 20 dollars less this year on mother's day but Mom still did get her flowers. And Happy Mothers day to all of you.