Russians show stable preferences for flowers on International Women’s Day, which continues to be one of the most popular holidays for gifting. Data collected by Astral.OFD reveals interesting trends and insights on flower sales during this occasion.
March 8 is widely celebrated as International Women’s Day, and the occasion is marked by giving flowers, with tulips remaining the main symbol. This tradition has deep roots, found from the 1970s when the newspaper Izvestia published a photograph of a flower shop employee displaying vibrant, freshly cut tulips intended for this very day. This image struck such a chord with viewers at the time, its legacy persists today, as tulips now dominate the sales volume around this holiday.
According to Astral.OFD, approximately 1.8 million tulips are sold across Russia during this festive season. The average price of these flowers sits at around 150 rubles, making them affordable for most consumers. The service expects, though, to see this price point increasing by 20-30% by March 2025, influenced by both Russian and foreign supply chains.
While tulips reign supreme, the once-beloved mimosa has seen its popularity wane. Historically associated with the arrival of spring, the flower now struggles against fierce competition from more diverse and exotic options available on the market. Data shows only 130 mimosa flowers sold during the holidays across the past two seasons, reflecting changing consumer preferences.
Interestingly, the decline of mimosa has coincided with the rise of unusual floral choices. More consumers are opting for exotic flowers such as taitian gardenia, protea, and amarillis — though these selections remain niche compared to traditional options. Irises have also begun to capture interest; sales showed about 6,000 pieces sold, with demand decreasing by just 8% from the previous year.
Demand for flowers around March 8 remains stable, even with shifting economic landscapes. While traditional choices like roses and chrysanthemums continue to be preferred, many consumers are increasingly leaning toward more original solutions, actively seeking out unique arrangements. These flowers are especially social, often viewed as ideal gifts for both close family members and professional acquaintances alike.
For customers unsure of how to select the perfect bouquet, several tips can guide the decision-making process. For starters, it’s best to know the recipient’s style, whether they prefer elaborate floral compositions or simpler, seasonal arrangements. If specific preferences are unknown, opting for classic, seasonal options such as tulips is often the safest bet.
Freshness is another key criterion when selecting flowers for gifting. Buyers are advised to inspect the petals and stems to confirm they appear healthy, along with ensuring the overall appearance holds vibrant colors and pleasant fragrances. Common long-lasting choices include chrysanthemums, eustomas, and gerberas.
The expectations around pricing continue to be at the forefront for 2025, as flower prices are poised to rise. The price range for mimosa fluctuated from 100 to 1000 rubles previously, with average large branches priced at about 500 rubles. Despite prices pushing upward, consumers can still find satisfying purchasing choices.
Astral.OFD will continue to provide insights and analytics concerning the flower marketplace, best to navigate this holiday season effectively. They offer data on sales success, check averages, and even the examination of prior periods’ profitability, proving their utility for floral retailers as they prepare for ever-evolving consumer demands.
With technical support available around the clock and API integration options, those utilizing the Astral logistics system can expect smooth operations. The combination of effective monitoring and buyer preferences shapes the current floral gifting trends, as Russians get ready to celebrate International Women’s Day once more.