Phillip's Flowers
(L-to-R) Some of Phillip's Flowers owners: Russ Phillip, Don Phillip, and Jim Phillip
Higher gas prices have been a thorn in the side of Phillip's Flowers, a Chicago-area family-owned flower shop.
Jim Phillip, co-owner of the shop, has seen the company's gas bill increase about 15% from October through March compared to the same period a year ago. He also has noticed that imported flowers from overseas have gotten more expensive as jet fuel costs climb.
Despite this, the company has increased its productivity and absorbed costs so customers won't see increases in flower prices.
The shop has been able to do this partly by collaborating with other florists on deliveries -- a practice started by Phillip's father in the '70s.
"At times like this when gas prices skyrocket, this certainly becomes a very, very valuable part of our ability to hold prices to customers," said Phillip, 57. --CC
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