flower business partnership

by Lois
(USA)

Your inquiry: I recently received an offer from an investor willing to help me open my own shop,giving him a 50% cut.I have several questions due to the industry shift from floral shops to large chain grocery stores and costco putting florists out of business.

1)In your opinion what is the smartest current niche in this industry that those retailers do not offer?

2)Starting out without any clientele whatsoever what is the fastest way to gain credibility and/or is there a way to ask other florists for client referrals?

3)If not utilizing a niche per say what other products do best along with flowers? (IE: cards,baskets,balloons,candles,
gourmet items,plants ETC....)


Thanks so much for the info you posted. It has become a point of reference in my researching for this major life step possibility.I trust you are the person
who can answer these questions.

Thank you!

Sincerely,
Lois