SAF contacts companies, like AutoMaxx, and asks them to promote products on their own merits.
What do a used car dealer, a retailer for computer enthusiasts, and a marketer of women’s premium lingerie have in common? They rely on the same tactic in their Valentine’s Day promotions — they each made a negative statement about floral gifts.
As the voice of the floral industry, the Society of American Florists contacts these offending companies and asks them to reconsider their approach.
Here is a list of companies recently contacted by SAF:
- AutoMaxx, a used car dealership with locations in Utah’s Provo/Orem and Salt Lake areas, displayed an outdoor sign that reads: “Forget Flowers. She Wants A SUV.”
- ThinkGeek, a retailer that caters to computer enthusiasts, promotes Plush Bouquets with “Roses are red, 3.14 is pi, give these bouquets because they’ll never die” and “Sure, you can get your sweetheart roses from the florist, but flowers wilt. Stuffed animals are forever!”
- Victoria’s Secret sent an email promotion with the subject line: “Better than roses: It’s almost ME-Day!“
As reported in the Jan. 24 E-brief, SAF had already responded to the Danbury Mint and WineShop At Home for their Valentine’s Day promotions.
Forward harmful floral publicity to Scala at jscala@safnow.org.
