Waitrose closes online flower shop to focus on wine and chocolate gifts

Waitrose has closed its online flower shop, Waitrose Florist, to focus on more popular gift options like wine and chocolate. The service, launched in 2009, will no longer operate as consumer preferences shift away from flowers. Customers can still buy flowers in stores and through the main Waitrose online service, but the dedicated florist platform has been discontinued. The supermarket aims to redirect funds to its wine and spirits platform, Waitrose Cellar. The closure reflects changing consumer habits, with online flower sales declining after a pandemic boost. Alternative gifts, such as chocolates and greeting cards, have gained popularity, while Waitrose has not made any staff redundant from the florist service.