As one of the world‘s largest retailers, Walmart is known for its vast product selection and competitive prices across all departments. But when it comes to fresh flowers, many shoppers wonder – does Walmart sell flowers year round? How does their quality and selection compare to other options like florists or other grocery stores? And what do you need to know to get the best bang for your buck on flowers at Walmart?
In this ultimate guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about buying flowers at Walmart, from the seasonal availability of different varieties to insider tips on ensuring maximum freshness and longevity. Whether you‘re a budget-conscious shopper looking to brighten up your home or planning a special event, read on to learn how to navigate Walmart‘s floral department like a pro.
Overview of Walmart‘s Floral Department
First, let‘s look at some key facts and figures about Walmart‘s floral offerings. According to IBISWorld, Walmart captured around 4.2% of the total US floral market as of 2022, with annual revenue of $1.8 billion from cut flower and plant sales.[^1] This makes it the second largest single retailer of fresh cut flowers behind only Kroger.
The majority of Walmart‘s flower sales come from everyday purchases rather than large events. A study by the Floral Marketing Research Fund found that 67% of Walmart floral transactions were for "self use" (i.e. home decor), compared to just 20% for gifting and 6% for special events.[^2]
Walmart‘s vice president of floral merchandising, Debbie Matta, has stated that the company strives to "offer our customers a wide selection of fresh, high-quality flowers at a great value every day."[^3] To achieve this, Walmart sources its flowers from major domestic and international growers, with an emphasis on long-term partnerships to ensure consistent supply.
The exact number of Walmart stores that carry fresh flowers varies, but floral departments are most common in Walmart Supercenter locations, which account for over 3,500 of the nearly 5,000 total stores in the US.[^4] These stores typically have dedicated refrigerated display cases for flowers, located near the produce section or front registers.
Some key numbers on Walmart flower prices and sales:
- Prices range from $5 for a small bunch to over $100 for deluxe arrangements
- The majority of bouquets are priced between $10-30
- Walmart sells around 2 million roses on Valentine‘s Day alone[^5]
- Mother‘s Day and Valentine‘s Day are the top floral sales weeks across all Walmart stores[^6]
Walmart‘s floral sales represent just a small slice of their total grocery revenue, but the company views it as an important category for driving customer loyalty and frequency. "When customers purchase from the floral department, they shop twice as often and spend three times more across the entire store," said Matta.[^7]
Seasonal Flower Availability at Walmart
As with most retailers, the exact types and quantities of flowers available at Walmart varies by time of year. Walmart works with its grower partners to plan seasonal rotations based on expected customer demand and typical weather patterns.
Here‘s a general overview of what you can expect to find in Walmart‘s floral department during different seasons:
Spring
- Tulips
- Daffodils
- Hyacinths
- Hydrangea
- Peonies (late spring)
- Ranunculus
Summer
- Roses
- Sunflowers
- Lilies
- Gerbera daisies
- Alstroemeria
- Carnations
Fall
- Chrysanthemums
- Marigolds
- Asiatic lilies
- Solidago (goldenrod)
- Alstroemeria
Winter/Holiday
- Poinsettias
- Amaryllis
- Paperwhites
- Holly
- Christmas cactus
- Carnations
Of course, you can typically find roses, carnations, and mixed bouquets all year at most locations. But if you‘re looking for something specific like tulips or sunflowers, it‘s best to shop in season for the widest selection and best prices.
In addition to cut flowers, most Walmart stores offer some potted varieties like orchids, mums, and Easter lilies at certain times of the year. The garden center may also stock potted bulbs, annuals, and perennials that can be transplanted to your garden.
Comparing Walmart‘s Flower Prices and Quality
One of the main draws of buying flowers at Walmart is the low prices compared to traditional florists or online delivery services. But does a cheap price tag mean subpar quality? Not necessarily.
Walmart has made efforts in recent years to improve the quality and longevity of its floral offerings. The company has built a network of direct partnerships with growers to reduce supply chain costs and lead times. They also have strict quality control procedures for inspecting and conditioning flowers upon arrival at stores.
That said, some shoppers have complained of inconsistent freshness across locations. Factors like how recently the store received a flower shipment, the level of staff training in floral care, and proper refrigeration all play a role. Visiting early in the day can help ensure you‘re getting the freshest possible blooms.
Here‘s how Walmart‘s everyday prices stack up against some other major floral retailers for a dozen roses, as an example:
| Retailer | Dozen Rose Price Range |
|---|---|
| Walmart | $8 – $50 |
| Kroger | $12 – $70 |
| Whole Foods | $13 – $25 |
| Costco | $17 – $50 |
As you can see, Walmart offers some of the most competitive prices, especially on the lower end. They also run frequent sales and promotions around holidays like Valentine‘s Day and Mother‘s Day, which can provide even bigger discounts.
However, for the very best quality and more unique varieties, you may still prefer a specialty florist who can hand-select premium stems. And for convenience, online flower delivery services offer a wider selection and personalization, albeit at a higher price point.
Tips for Buying and Caring for Walmart Flowers
If you do decide to purchase flowers at Walmart, there are some best practices that can help you get the most value and enjoyment out of them. Here are some pro tips:
- Check the stems and avoid any bunches with brown or slimy ends, which indicates older flowers
- Give the blooms a "freshness test" by gently squeezing the petals – they should be firm, not soft
- Aim to buy flowers that are still in bud form rather than fully open for maximum vase life
- Ask a store associate when the flower cases were last stocked to get the freshest bunch
- Trim stems and remove any leaves below the water line before placing in a vase to prevent bacteria growth
- Change the water and re-trim stems every 2-3 days to keep flowers fresh
- Keep flowers away from direct sunlight, drafts, and fruit which releases ethylene gas that speeds up wilting
By following these guidelines and selecting seasonal blooms at their peak, you can enjoy beautiful Walmart flowers for up to a week or more with proper care.
Walmart‘s Custom Floral Services
In addition to pre-made bouquets, some Walmart locations offer custom floral arranging services for events like weddings, funerals, and corporate functions. These services are typically available at stores with a full-service floral department staffed by experienced designers.
Walmart‘s custom florals can provide significant cost savings compared to independent florists, but there are some trade-offs to consider. Walmart primarily works with the flowers and greenery available in-store, so you may not have access to specialty or hard-to-find varieties.
The level of creativity and customization may also be more limited working with a large retailer versus an independent designer. On the plus side, Walmart‘s streamlined ordering process and large-scale production capabilities can be a good fit for very large events on a tight timeline.
To explore custom options, it‘s best to contact or visit your local Walmart store with a floral department. Consultations are typically free, and designers can mock up personalized proposals based on factors like color scheme, theme, and budget.
Conclusion
Walmart remains a go-to destination for affordable fresh flowers year-round. While the exact varieties and quantities may fluctuate with the seasons, shoppers can reliably find a range of bouquets and arrangements starting at just $5.
The keys to success for buying flowers at Walmart are understanding seasonal availability, shopping early for the best selection, and following proper care tips to extend longevity. With these strategies, even the most budget-conscious shoppers can enjoy the simple pleasure of fresh flowers at home or for gifting.
For larger events, Walmart‘s custom floral services can also provide significant savings compared to traditional florists. However, it‘s important to weigh the potential trade-offs in personalization, quality, and variety.
Ultimately, whether Walmart‘s floral department is the right fit for you depends on your individual needs and preferences as a consumer. But by equipping yourself with knowledge about their offerings and best practices, you can make an informed choice and stretch your flower budget further at Walmart.
[^1]: IBISWorld Industry Report 45311 Florists in the US, July 2022[^2]: Floral Marketing Research Fund Consumer Tracking Study, 2020
[^3]: Walmart press release, February 2019
[^4]: Walmart annual report, 2021
[^5]: National Retail Federation Valentine‘s Day Consumer Spending Survey, 2021
[^6]: Floral Purchase Tracking Study, Society of American Florists, 2018
[^7]: Progressive Grocer, "Walmart Revamps Floral Department to Boost Sales," September 2019
