Fall decorating habits have shifted. Customers don’t wait for sweater weather anymore — they’re buying autumnal décor in August. If your shop isn’t stocked and ready with permanent botanical designs now, you could be missing out on one of the easiest profit boosters of the season.
Permanent stems, garlands, wreaths, mailbox, swags, door decor, and tabletop designs offer high perceived value, long-lasting beauty, and excellent margins — if they’re merchandised well and priced smart.
Here’s how to make the most of this category.
Start the Season in August — Not October
Just like holiday shopping keeps creeping earlier, fall décor shopping now begins in late summer. Set your shop apart by being ready early:
- Launch your fall display in August, not after the first cold snap
- Highlight warm, transitional palettes that bridge summer and fall
- Use visual cues like pumpkins, gourds, apples, branches, leaves, grasses, and dried elements — even if the weather’s still warm
If you wait until October, you’ll miss the early birds (and your shelves might still be full when customers move on to winter). In October, you should be displaying Christmas.
Think Beyond Orange and Yellow
Fall doesn’t have to scream orange. In fact, richer, moodier palettes often appeal to modern buyers and transition more smoothly into the winter season, and appeal to a more sophisticated color palette.
Consider incorporating colors like eggplant, olive green, rust, burgundy, deep rose, cinnamon, and mocha brown. These hues pair well with golds, creams, and darker foliage — and help your displays feel fresh and elevated.
Don’t Just Sell Designs — Sell Groupings
Customers are more likely to buy multiple designs when they can see how they work together.
Create vignettes using:
- Matching wreaths and garlands
- Coordinated tabletop and entryway arrangements
- Layered options (like candle rings, swags, and accent stems)
Encourage multiple purchases by showing how the same look works across porch steps, dining tables, and mantels.
Display by Color, Not Just Category
If you sell individual stems or bushes, organize them by color families, not just by type. This makes it easier for customers to build their own cohesive looks — and tempts them to buy more than one. Color is “King” when it comes to clients making buying decisions.
Pro tip: Include mid-range priced options that look premium. Low-cost stems can look cheap and common, and ultra-luxe ones may scare shoppers off. Aim for quality and realistic texture over sheer volume.
Show Versatility (and Add-On Potential)
To help customers see the value of permanent pieces, display designs that can be updated throughout the season.
For example:
- Swap a fall bow for a winter one
- Replace mini pumpkins with snow-dusted pinecones
- Add seasonal picks or ornaments to wreaths and garlands
This encourages customers to think long-term — and allows you to upsell seasonal swaps later on.
Price With Confidence
Permanent designs are an investment, and customers expect them to cost more than fresh flowers.
Here’s a healthy pricing strategy:
- Mid-range designs: $135.00-$225.00
- Premium designs: $200.00 to $350.00
- Custom work: priced based on stem choices, ribbon, and labor
If a customer selects stems that exceed their original budget, walk them through what the final look would include — and give them the option to adjust or upgrade. Don’t scale down the vision automatically. Always match their expectations with realistic price options.
Permanent Designs Can Be Your Fall Power Seller
This category is too often treated as filler or an afterthought, but when handled strategically, it’s one of the most reliable sources of revenue in slower months.
Set your shop up with:
- A clear point of view
- A curated display of appropriate selections
- Easy add-on and custom options
- Confident perceived pricing
With this strategy, you'll have designs that practically sell themselves — from August through Thanksgiving (and beyond).
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