20,000 roses, inflation and night terrors: the life of a florist on Valentine's Day
It's the biggest day of the year for the $8 billion global flower industry, but it's not all that profitable. Why? Blame the roses.
The first thing you notice when you walk into Scotts Flowers just before Valentine's Day is the quiet. People are focused.
The storefront at the Manhattan florist is serene and immaculate, full of tastefully arranged Valentine's bouquet displays.
Right up front is the classic: 12 red roses arranged in a circular vase: The Modern Dozen, $135. There are also single roses for sale.
In the back of the store, though, things are full on:
About a dozen people stand at long, stainless steel tables, silent
