The permanent botanicals industry originated in China and was developed in Europe beginning in the 12th century. It grew popular in the Victorian era and 20th century as artificial flowers became widely available. Today's industry is dominated by silk flowers and focuses on realistic, long-lasting botanical decor. Major companies specialize in specific materials and styles while marketing through online catalogs and showrooms. Trends include demand for realistic permanent botanicals for decorative and allergen-free purposes. The industry is influenced by historical styles and sourcing from China while products range in pricing from $5-500.

2. Early HistoryChinese began working with silk to create floral arrangementsItalians first started permanent botanicals as a business in the early 12th Century.French then began competing with Italians in the 14th Century with innovations in fabrics used to make floral arrangements

3. HistoryDuring the French Revolution of the late 1700’s, France’s top flower makers were forced to flee to EnglandThe descendants of these French craftsmen eventually brought permanent botanicals to America in the early 1800’sVictorian Age brought about unprecedented popularity in permanent botanicals in homes

4. 20th Century Developments1920’s saw artificial flowers being sold by florists1930’s wreaths began being made with artificial fruits and flowersCelluloid was the most popular material in permanent botanicals in the 1940’sBecause of celluloid’s flammability, plastic took over as the material of choice for flower makers in the 1950’s

5. Marketing and AdvertisingMost marketing and advertising done in the permanent botanicals industry is done through the use of online catalogs and showroom displays set up for market. NDI – Display their products in a room setting for their online catalog. Also have show rooms for market in Dallas, Las Vegas, and High Point, NC

6. Marketing and AdvertisingA Touch of Silk, Inc. – Oklahoma-based company sells exclusively to retailers from their online catalog, which features their products against a neutral backdrop. Also have a showroom in the World Trade Center in Dallas used to promote their products to retailers during market.

7. Marketing and AdvertisingDistinctive Designs – One of the most recognized brands within the permanent botanicals industry sells their products through their online catalog, which is neatly organized into many categories. Products are shown with no background, drawing focus to the individual item. Also have two showrooms set up in Atlanta and High Point which are open for market and are set up in a very contemporary and sophisticated style.

8. Terminology“Fake”- factual, but undesirable“Artificial” – most common term“Permanent Botanicals”- term used by manufactures, designers, florist, & retailers (official category used by the home furnishings industry)Basic terms the industry usesArrangementsCenter piece

9. TrendsGrowing demand for permanent botanicals in homes, restaurants, hotels, officesWhy? People are always “on the run”, fast pace & busy lifestyle

10. Allergies

11. Long lasting

12. Reusable

13. Realistic/ life-like

14. Professional & “do-it-yourself’” arrangements http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-14928171590534_2075_97601442 http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-14928171590534_2075_124018612 TrendsHome Furnishings industrymost common are silk flowers“Artificial flowers and silk plants can give you the look of completion to your home or office decor as well as a feel of serenity without the hassles of live plants. More and more people are switching to silk flowers, fake plants and artificial trees because of the high quality craftsmanship in the manufacturing process that makes them look more realistic than ever before.”http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-14928171590534_2075_116383757 http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-14928171590534_2075_24448461 No name. (2009). Quality silk plants: the designer's choice. Retrieved from http://www.qualitysilkplants.com/

15. Eco-friendly “Going green” has been a major concern this past year and as many companies jump on the bandwagon to become more environmentally friendly, the permanent botanicals industry is following right along with the rest of the decorative accessories industry. “Many permanent trees are made from recyclable materials and, of course, pesticides aren’t an issue with permanent botanicals” said one Canadian florist (Brisebois, 2009). Floral arrangements also use recycled materials such as glass and metal for their bases and container. http://image001.mywedding.com/13/707/13707782_710.jpg

16. Special Characteristics and MaterialsTextiles, dyes, waxes and others synthetic materials combined with molds and wires to create lifelike versions of flowersBotanicals category includes flowers, wreathes, branches, trees, and other forms of plant life (Holmes, 2009). Two most common materials used in making permanent botanicals: polyester and plastic. Expensive material: silk, natural materials used for more eco-friendly options

17. Product DevelopmentMission: creating botanicals that are more realistic and lifelikeMost desired permanent botanical: Silk flowerhttp://ddhs.win.mofcom.gov.cn/www/28%5Cddhs%5Cimg%5C2007116155955.jpg

18. SourcingThe largest exporter in the artificial flower industry is Hong Kong;One company in the city of Guangzhou has produced artificial flowers for over a decade. Nanhi Yasi Flower Arts Company

19. Licensing“it’s not for everyone”BenefitsBrand recognition and developmentCreative ideas and new conceptsSplit argument on success of licensingUsually not long lasting (2 years)Companies begin developing own collectionLicenses can lead focus to a specific segment2009 - Williamsburg has formed a new licensing relationship with Winward International to create permanent botanicals and seasonal accents http://www.winwardsilks.com/Products_files/Floral-tab-page-web.jpg http://www.winwardsilks.com/Showrooms_files/UC-showroom2-LR.jpg Easton, J. (2009). Permanent botanicals join williamsburg licensed products. Home Accents Today, Retrieved from http://www.homeaccentstoday.com/article/ca6670875.htmlIngram, C. (2007). Licensing: the product has to support the name.Home Accents Today, Retrieved from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb3128/is_200705/ai_n19285807/

20. 5 Major Competing Manufacturing CompaniesFoster’s PointManufactures flowers, trees, and greenery

21. Founded in 1990 in Spring, Texas

22. 46 employees

23. Annual sales for 2008: $5.5 million

24. Each design handcrafted

25. Showrooms at Dallas Market Center, Atlanta Gift Mart, High Point Furniture Market, and Las Vegas World Market CenterDistinctive Designs InternationalSilk floral manufacturer and direct importer of botanical accessories

26. Founded over 30 years ago by designer, Emma Hoffman in Russellville, Alabama

27. Showrooms in Highpoint, NC and Atlanta, Georgia