Flower shop managers work in a variety of environments, from large warehouses to small shops in suburban strip malls. Flower shop managers oversee and coordinate flower shop activities, such as the purchase, selection, preparation and retail sale of flowers for decoration. They also consult with clients about flower arrangement designs, the cost of flowers and delivery services. Shop managers are also responsible for administrative and retail duties, such as keeping financial records, answering telephones and processing payment.

Flower Shop Work Activities

A flower shop manager spends most of her time coordinating shop activities, servicing customers and creating flower arrangements. She reviews floral designs, selects flora and foliage for arrangements, prices arrangements and orders flowers and supplies accordingly. For special occasions, she helps with event venue setup and decoration. She provides on-the-job training to new shop employees and supervises their work. In the absence of support staff, shop managers help package arrangements for shipment and organize shop supplies.

Work Environment

Flower shop managers often work in comfortable, well-lit spaces in retail outlets. They occasionally leave the shop to deliver flowers, set up arrangements for special events and get flowers and other supplies. The shop manager regularly interacts with customers and the work schedule is largely dependent on customer orders, including last-minute holiday and funeral orders. Consequently, some shop managers work long hours, including evenings, weekends and before and during holidays.

Occupational Hazards

A flower shop manager might experience back strain from lifting and carrying heavy flower arrangements. He is also at risk for personal injury resulting from the mishandling of sharp objects, such as scissors, knives and metal wire. When working with flowers, allergic reactions might occur from pollen exposure. Shop managers who come into contact with garden chrysanthemums might develop contact dermatitis. Florists are also at risk for developing sporotrichosis.

Education

The 2010 edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook, issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, notes that floral designers do not need formal post-secondary training. Many flower shop managers hone their skills on the job. High school graduates with creativity, a flair for designing flowers and a desire for continuous learning are ideal candidates for flower shop management careers.

Compensation

The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics reported $24,940 as the median annual salary for floral designers and flower shop managers, as of May 2010. The median expected salary for flower shop managers in the United States ranged from $18,690 to $29,330, as of May 2008.