This year marks the 15th anniversary of one of Ireland’s leading wholesalers – Naas-based Eirflowers. Here, we find out more about the business and talk to the company’s John Hamilton and Liam Mulread to discover the secrets of success that have taken the business forward over the years.

Since opening for business back in 1997, Eirflowers has come a long way. From humble beginnings, the company has grown into one of Ireland’s leading wholesale suppliers of fresh flowers, plants, florist sundries and gift packaging, operating from a 20,000 square foot purpose-built cash and carry on the outskirts of the well-located town of Naas.

It may be an old cliché, but Eirflowers is most definitely a one-stop shop, with pretty much everything a florist could need under one roof. It’s a pleasant place to be too, with plenty of space to shop, refreshments on tap and free parking, not to mention a strictly adhered to trade only policy that of course is hugely important to their customers.

Talking of flowers, Eirflowers carries an impressive stock, which comes in directly from Holland several times a week, great news for florists who no longer wish to carry large stocks of flowers and instead prefer to top up on a daily basis. You could say they carry the stock so florists don’t need to.

John says: “We work with several suppliers to gain competitive pricing and keener margins during these tough economic times and if we have a ‘big customer’ ordering sufficient quantities we will work on prices. Almost to the point that I feel we’re giving away the flowers!”

An added benefit is that, because we buy both directly from growers in Holland and via the Dutch auctions, Eirflowers offers more special offer ‘Star Buys’ than you would perhaps get via a pre-order Dutch service.

One area of business that’s hugely important to Eirflowers is wedding work. Special wedding orders can be specifically placed with Holland, which will arrive specifically packaged for the customer ready for delivery.

Liam comments: “Even customers who don’t normally use us will pop in to get their wedding flowers. Brides want specific colours, so florists love to touch and feel the flowers and see the quality for themselves. Only cash and carries make this possible.”

Moving on to plants, Eirflowers stock a range of plants suited to the needs of florists. Ranging from bedding plants to exotic plants, bulbs, small trees and seasonal arrangements, sourced from both Dutch and Irish Suppliers, there is a mass of choice.

On the floral sundries and gift packaging side, florists will find all they need at Eirflowers. Over 2000 products are stocked, including baskets, glassware, candles, floral foam, ribbons, packaging, artificial flowers, wedding products, memorial items, seasonal items and much more. Once again, price is key, with sundries sourced from a range of suppliers in order to obtain a varied product range at a competitive price. Oasis Floral Products, Apac Packaging, CB Imports, Val Spicer, Roast and Swift Imports are just some the brand names stocked. What’s more, Eirflowers have been chosen by Oasis to be their designated Design Depot for Ireland.

Eirflowers recently launched a new e-commerce enabled website, primarily to showcase their sundries and gift packaging products.

With convenience key, it’s no surprise to hear that Eirflowers offers a choice of ordering options – by telephone or fax, online or in person, with the cash and carry open seven days a week from 7am.

For those who can’t make it along every time, or those who prefer to order online or over the phone, Eirflowers has its own fleet of trucks that, along with a helpful and reliable courier service, allows free nationwide delivery. A next day service is also available for those last-minute orders.