ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – It is prom season in much of the U.S., and inside the Frontenac Schnucks store, flowers are being prepped and balloons blown up.

But these items, however, are selling high for Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 11.

“Typically, Valentine’s Day is the biggest, but we are expecting Mother’s Day to make the shift and be the biggest for us this year,” said Chasady Boehm, a floral merchandiser at Schnucks. 

Boehm wouldn’t speak on the universal tariff rate for the next 90 days, in which 10% will be set virtually to all countries. Those countries include Ecuador and Colombia, where Schnucks and many grocery stores get their flowers.

“At the beginning, we were a little worried about some things because it’s been cloudy in the Bogota area,” Boehm said. “They need the sun to grow and nourish. We did have to make a few substitutions, but we are okay and ready to go.” 

Stores around town are trying to keep things affordable for customers, offering entry points for cash and carrying flowers for $10 and $25.

“I bring her flowers,” says Erin Runnels, a customer. “Actually, I grow peonies in my yard.  So I’m going to make her a bouquet from my yard.”

Items that are popular for shoppers include roses, hydrangeas, lilies, orchids and, for outside, hanging baskets.