Charleston flower shop holds steady on prices despite tariff impacts

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) — One of the most popular gifts for Mother’s Day – flowers – is coming at a higher cost this year due to rising tariffs. But despite those pressures, one local florist is choosing not to pass the price increases on to customers.

Tiger Lily florist was buzzing with activity ahead of one of the busiest weekends of the year. 

Owner Lisa Holmes said the Charleston-based shop has kept its prices steady, even in the face of a roughly 30% increase in product costs.

“They’re about the same,” Holmes said. “It was our decision with the world that’s going on right now that we could’ve increased, but we chose not to,” said Holmes. “We chose instead to get more higher-end stems that customers were asking for like peonies, or ranunculus, and put them in there for the value that they’re worth. So, that strategy worked this year.”

Tiger Lily continues sourcing hand-cut, imported flowers from its vendors. 

“There a lot of flowers that come from all over. For example, your Dutch product is Netherlands, Belgium, Holland – that would be tulips. Ranunculus, like I was saying before, hyacinth, which smells so amazing, that come from those areas. Your roses are from Ecuador, primarily South America,” Holmes said.

The shop also partners with local growers for peonies, daffodils and seasonal accents.

In anticipation of ongoing economic uncertainty, Holmes said the business stocked up on floral supplies such as vases and containers.

“We did purchase additional storage facilities and purchased what we call hard goods — which are things like vases etc. We have filled those to the brim with the unknown.”

Holmes said the decision to maintain quality and affordability was rooted in a commitment to customers and the store’s long-standing reputation.

“The way that I look at it is nothing is permanent. We will all get through this and what we’re doing is just taking less profit and we’re alright with that. We have a reputation; we’re going to uphold it and just be positive. So, it’s what we went with,” she said.

Tiger Lily sold out of both its most affordable and most luxurious arrangements this Mother’s Day season.