Sales increase shows "rosy" future for Dutch flower stores

The future looks "rosy" for florists in the Netherlands, according to florist association VBW half year figures. During the first half of this year, flower sales increased by 5.4 percent compared to the same period last year, ANP reports. According to the association, this is the third year in a row florists saw a turnover increase, following a sharp downturn during the financial crisis in 2008 to 2012. The future looks "rosy" the association said. Part of the success can be attributed to florists themselves making cutbacks, according to the VBW. "There is still a lot of room for growth", VBW director Marco Maasse said, according to the news wire. "It is up to the florist to put flowers in front of its target group as a hip lifestyle product."