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Nurseries importing fewer plants but hope festive period will boost business
Channel NewsAsia - Monday, January 12
SINGAPORE : Nurseries have said they are importing fewer plants as compared to the same festive period last year.
But they are hoping business will start blooming as the Lunar New Year approaches.
Pineapples are considered symbols of luck and prosperity during the Lunar New Year.
But given the economic slowdown, some plant wholesalers are not leaving things to chance and are turning to bigger and more creative products, to draw in the crowds this festive period.
Royston Low, managing director, Katong Flowers, said: "We have reduced imports on certain types of traditional products. On the other hand, we are sourcing for newer products. We have brought in quite a few new varieties of flowers."
But predicting what consumers want can be a risky business, so many retailers are taking a wait—and—see approach.
Wholesalers said retailers have become more selective — many either buy plants only after orders have been placed, or buy varieties that are more popular.
Several nurseries are also offering promotions on festive plants — consumers can expect to pay 30—50 per cent less for kumquat shrubs this year, as compared to early February last year.
But the drop in the retail price of plants is not due to decreasing prices of imports.
On the contrary, most plants are imported from China and the recent appreciation of the Chinese yuan has in fact led to higher import costs.
But businesses said they are willing to absorb the extra costs.
And they are hoping their efforts will bear fruit and they will be able to make up for their lower profit margins by selling more. — CNA/ms
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