Hello my angel, another bunch,” says Fadwah Sasman, excitedly pouncing as a man enters the Trafalgar Place flower market off Adderley Street, Cape Town. She offers him three bunches of roses for R100.I am her customer since last week. I am taking the flowers to a new woman I am trying to impress,” the man tells GroundUp.Last week when he came down the stairs, his eyes went there, and my eyes went on him. Since then he has been coming back for flowers,” says Sasman.
Fadwah Sasman works at Trafalgar Place flower market in Adderley Street. Her mother worked here before her. She says the main challenge her business faces is parking space for clients and competition from big retailers such as Woolworths and Checkers.You park to get a bunch of flowers for R100, and then you get a fine for R1,000. It’s also a tough business. There is no replacement for dying flowers,” says Sasman.
She said most farmers send their quality flowers for export. “Sometimes they reduce prices for us, but once flowers are cheap, you must also sell them cheap.” Benjamin said the flower business was very difficult. “We make it look good because it’s the only trade we are in. This week you have money, next week you don’t, because flowers are perishable.”Located in Parow, Mcintyre Florist Enterprises is run by couple Peter Ram and Randal Ram. They specialise in major merchandise for events like wedding functions, birthdays and anniversaries, company events and funerals.Many of our new customers are surprised to see men here.