Brunei Husbands Say It With Flowers
By Ignatius Stephen

Bandar Seri Begawan - Surprise, surprise more husbands are saying it with flowers come this Valentine Day. And Brunei women are simply going "gaga" over these beautiful imported blooms to the amazement of many.

So roses are selling like hot cakes in the capital with bouquets costing as much as $280 and more.

Ms Willyn Sim of Willyn Floral & Gift Services in Jalan Sultan said, "I am pleasantly surprised. I was prepared for a business recession this time around. But it is booming with more people buying roses, tulips and other blooms.

"One thing good is that more husbands are buying roses for their wives. That include even some traditional Chinese businessmen," she told the Borneo Bulletin.

But mostly her customers tended to be young educated professionals. "I am quite astonished. Orders have been pouring in nonstop. And Valentine Day is catching up in Brunei.

"I do not think we are going to get any sleep tonight. We will have work round the clock all night get all orders ready by morning," Ms Sim said.

Her blooms come from all over the world, from Europe, India, New Zealand and elsewhere.

You could buy a single rose for $10 or it could go up to $280 or more for a bouquet. There are innovations this year with teddy bears and chocolates to go with a bouquet with special silk and "princess" skirting.

A normal bouquet from Holland and New Zealand the most popular buys go at about $180. They are the best sellers this year.

Last year a husband bought a bouquet of 99 roses for his wife for $800.88.

"But this year we did not have any such sales. Instead many more people are buying the $180 bouquets. I am happy we are having volume sales this year, which is good for my business.

"Taste is changing. More youngsters are returning from overseas studies and they are bringing about a floral revolution," she commented.

Brudirect.com