INDIANAPOLIS — Andrews Florist in downtown Indianapolis is busy filling Mother's Day orders.
That part is business as usual.
But what's not business as usual is what is going on behind the scenes.
Andrews Florist owner John Burns said while they got warnings about a flower shortage, he didn't think it would be this bad. This year, Burns is seeing his wholesale prices double.
"I haven't seen wholesale prices like this in in my 40-some years being in business, nothing ever has never been this high," Burns said.
The shop also cannot get their hands on everything they want. Certain flowers like hydrangeas and hot pink roses are few and far between.
Industry experts say weather and worker issues are limiting supply and transportation freight is in high demand.
"You know, I just think it's just a perfect storm of those factors," Burns said.
But Burns said he can't see putting all that burden on customers and is cutting his earnings to help them make ends meet.
"This year, we don't, you know, make the profit margin. And that's just, I mean, that's the way it's going to have to be," he said.
To save money on flowers, call the florist directly to avoid fees, give your budget up front and focus on what's in stock - not what is in a picture.