SEPT/OCT 2026 I VOLUME 43 SEP 22


THE EXPERIENCE EFFECT By transforming downtown Tempe into a floral festival, Arizona Flower Market attracted nearly 100,000 attendees, elevated local floral artists and helped grow the audience for flowers — earning SAF’s 32nd annual Marketer of the Year award.


30


CAN AI FIND YOUR BUSINESS? AI is changing the path to purchase, narrowing customers’ choices before they ever visit a florist’s website. Clear content, detailed reviews and meaningful differentiation can help put your business on the short list.


8 18


ON THE COVER From left are Brennen Rigler, Linda Miller, Alexis Rigler and Brent Denham. Their company, Arizona Flower Market, won SAF’s 32nd annual Marketer of the Year award for Tempe Blooms, which engaged consumers and showcased local fl oral professionals.


34


INVEST IN LOYALTY Every marketing dollar has a job to do. The most valuable investments aren’t measured by the first sale they generate, but by the long-term customer relationships they help create.


2 VIEWPOINT 4 AD INDEX 5 MORE ONLINE 5 WHAT INSPIRES US 6 SAF IN ACTION 8


HANDS ON


14 TALENT 16 FLOWER SALE OR FAIL?


18 FRESH CHOICES 36 INDUSTRY NEWS 37 UP THE SUPPLY CHAIN 38 DIGITAL STRATEGY 40 BUSINESS OF DESIGN 42 NEW PRODUCTS 44 QUALITY


43 I NUMBE


NUMBER 4

Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48