I was very excited to learn that the San Francisco Flower Mart has re-opened, honoring “approved safety restrictions”. If you don’t have a wholesale badge, the hours of operation are M-F 9:00 – 3:00 and Saturdays from 8:00 – 3:00.
Did you know that the SFFM is one of only five grower-owned wholesale flower markets in the United States? Here’s a little about their history, taken from their website.
The origins of the SFFM go back to the late 1800s. Local Japanese flower growers would bring their flowers to Lotta’s Fountain on Kearny Street in San Francisco three days a week, selling their flowers to local flower shops. In 1924, they opened their first physical market and then in 1956, as their business expanded and they needed more space, they moved to their current larger location at 640 Brannan Street and Sixth, in the South of Market area of San Francisco.
The grand opening of the San Francisco Flower Mart in September 1956 marked the establishment of one of the oldest and most successful Japanese-American-owned companies in the United States. The San Francisco Flower Mart is owned and run by floral growers and boasts over 60 vendors, purveyors of cut flowers, potted plants, blooming plants and floral supplies. I’ve always loved their ribbon and vase selection. Product, which at one time was only from the immediate Bay Area, now comes from the far reaches of the world.
The SFFM has suffered greatly during the Covid-19 business closure as you can imagine. Events of all kinds including flower-rich weddings, were cancelled and the Flower Mart was left with unused inventory. Combine that, with the closure of retail flower shops and the loss of foot traffic and you can imagine how they have suffered.
If you have a free morning – and I do recommend going in the morning to get the best selection – the SFFM would be a wonderful place to visit and support. For those of us who live in the Bay Area, we are so lucky to have this resource in our backyard!
