In a post-Valentine’s Day clearance, a Prague Lidl store has slashed prices by 60% on their remaining floral inventory, offering bouquets for as little as 24 crowns ($1), while some local florists opted to give their surplus away for free.
Valentine’s Day traditionally sees flower prices soar, with single roses reaching up to 155 crowns and bouquets hovering around the thousand-crown mark. However, the aftermath of the romantic holiday presents a different story, as retailers scramble to manage unsold inventory.
At Lidl’s Bořislavka shopping center location in Prague 6, Sunday afternoon shoppers found themselves amid a sea of discounted blooms. The markdown was substantial – bunches of six roses, featuring five red and one white, were available for just 24 crowns. Larger bouquets of pastel roses could be had for 51 crowns, while tulips, gerberas, and carnations were similarly priced to clear.
A store clerk explained that the dramatic discounts were necessary as the flowers would be unsellable the following day. She drew parallels between the flower clearance and similar practices with bakery and refrigerated products.
Meanwhile, smaller florists have their own approaches to handling surplus inventory. While some offer more modest discounts, others, like Magnolie Braník near Branické Square, chose to spread joy by giving away their remaining Valentine’s roses completely free. “We may not be fit for sale anymore, but we can still bring happiness,” read their storefront sign.