High gas prices hit local businesses

By Ashley Roberts
WSLS10 Reporter
Published: April 24, 2008

Thanks to high gas prices the cost for arrangements at local flower shops like Radford City Florist has gone up.

Owner Jeff Corbin says the high prices are a concern, but says luckily, consumers are smart enough to understand he has no choice. “I think consumers are smart enough to understand that it’s the cost of doing business.”

Corbin says flowers that sold last year for $1.89 are now $1.99. Delivery charges have also increased as much as $1.50. For example, a $50 arrangement would increase $2. “We don’t stop doing business because gas prices are high. We just have to move it on, pass it on.”

The pain at the pump is making other businesses do the same. At Dublin Floral Expressions, the owner increased delivery prices $2 to $3.

At the Flower and Gift Shop of Floyd prices have gone up anywhere from $8 to $12 and deliver prices are as high as $15.

“We hear some customers who are shocked, but more than likely they also follow up the phrase with well I understand because I’m buying gas too,” says Corbin.

Even though the increase at Corbin’s Radford florist is extremely small, he says in light of the recent gas prices, he’s implemented a new deal called “cash and carry” that gives customers the same great flowers for an even better bargain. “I offer a dozen roses for $9.95,” says Corbin. “That’s unheard of, but if we don’t have to deliver, then we can afford to sell things for less.”

It’s a deal customers look forward to getting, since they’re not getting one at the pump.

The owner of University Flowers in Blacksburg tells WSLS she hasn’t increased prices, but will eventually because wholesalers have started adding a fuel sur-charge to her orders.