How Much Does It Cost to Run a Flower Shop in Ireland?

Running a Flower Shop in Ireland

The Irish floristry market has its own character — different supply chains, a distinct regulatory environment, and its own cost pressures. Whether you are opening your first shop or reviewing costs in an established business, understanding where every euro goes is essential. Without a clear monthly picture, you cannot price your work properly and you cannot plan for the future.

Rent

Rent is typically the single largest fixed cost for an Irish florist. Location matters enormously, and the gap between rural and Dublin city centre is dramatic:

• Small town or rural area: EUR 500 – EUR 1,200/month
• Regional city (Cork, Galway, Limerick): EUR 1,000 – EUR 2,500/month
• Dublin suburbs: EUR 1,500 – EUR 3,500/month
• Dublin city centre: EUR 3,000 – EUR 6,000+/month

Commercial leases in Ireland are typically subject to upward-only rent reviews. Check the terms carefully before signing and factor in future rent increases when planning long-term costs. Negotiate the lease length and any break clauses before committing.

Commercial Rates

Commercial rates are set by your local authority based on the rateable valuation of your property, determined by the Valuation Office. Unlike the UK, Ireland does not have a blanket small business rates relief scheme, though some local authorities offer temporary rate reductions or waivers for new businesses or vacant premises.

Typical commercial rates for a small retail unit range from EUR 2,000 to EUR 6,000 per year (EUR 170 to EUR 500 per month), though rates in prime Dublin locations can be considerably higher. You can appeal your rateable valuation if you believe it is too high, but the process takes time.

Insurance

Irish florists need several insurance policies:

• Public liability: Covers claims from customers injured on your premises or by your products
• Employer's liability: A legal requirement if you have employees
• Contents and stock: Covers your flowers, equipment, and fixtures
• Commercial vehicle: Essential if you deliver

Total insurance costs typically run EUR 200 to EUR 500 per month. The Irish insurance market has fewer specialist providers than the UK, so using a broker who understands retail businesses is strongly recommended. Get at least three quotes and review annually. Insurance costs in Ireland have been higher than European averages due to the claims environment, though reforms are gradually improving the market.

Utilities

Running a flower shop is more energy-intensive than most retail businesses because of the cold room. Your main utility costs include:

• Electricity (including cold room refrigeration): EUR 180 – EUR 400/month
• Gas (heating the shop floor): EUR 40 – EUR 100/month
• Water: EUR 30 – EUR 60/month (commercial water charges apply via Irish Water)

Shop around between providers such as Electric Ireland, Bord Gais Energy, SSE Airtricity, and Energia. Switching provider can save 10-15% annually. Consider an energy audit to identify savings — cold room door seals, LED lighting, and timer switches all reduce costs.

Flower Stock and Supply Chain

Most cut flowers arrive via Dutch auctions through Irish-based importers and wholesalers. Ireland benefits from full EU single market access — no customs paperwork, no phytosanitary certificates, and no post-Brexit border delays that UK florists now face. This is a genuine competitive advantage for sourcing.

Monthly flower and plant stock spend typically ranges from EUR 1,600 to EUR 4,000, representing 25-35% of revenue. Building a strong relationship with your wholesaler matters enormously — it secures better pricing, early access to seasonal stock, and flexibility on order quantities.

Waste Disposal

Green waste from a flower shop can be significant. You will need a commercial waste collection contract covering general waste, recycling, and potentially separate green waste or composting. Budget EUR 80 to EUR 150 per month depending on volume and location. Some florists arrange composting through local farms or community gardens, which reduces costs and is good for your environmental credentials.

Sundries and Packaging

Cellophane, tissue paper, ribbon, boxes, bags, water sachets, flower food, and cards. Monthly: EUR 250 – EUR 500. Buying in bulk from Irish packaging suppliers or through your wholesaler helps keep costs down.

Delivery Costs

Irish fuel prices remain among the highest in Europe. Outside Dublin, delivery distances tend to be longer with more scattered rural drops. Budget the following monthly:

• Fuel: EUR 200 – EUR 450
• Van lease or finance: EUR 200 – EUR 400
• Maintenance, tyres, NCT: EUR 50 – EUR 150
• Total delivery costs: EUR 450 – EUR 650/month

Use the Delivery Profitability Calculator to check whether your delivery charges actually cover these costs.

Staff Costs

A florist on EUR 14 per hour costs approximately EUR 2,700 to EUR 2,850 per month in true cost once you factor in employer PRSI at 11.05%, pension auto-enrolment, and statutory sick leave entitlements. See our separate guide on the true cost of employing a florist in Ireland for a full breakdown.

Monthly Cost Breakdown

Here is a realistic monthly picture for a flower shop in a regional Irish town with one full-time employee:

For a Dublin location, add EUR 1,500 to EUR 3,000+ for rent alone, bringing totals to EUR 11,000 to EUR 14,000+ per month before the owner draws any income.

Seasonal Cash Flow Management

Cash flow in an Irish flower shop follows a distinct seasonal pattern. Peak trading periods include Valentine's Day (February), Mother's Day (March), Communion and Confirmation season (April to June), and Christmas. Quieter months — particularly January, July, and late August — can put real pressure on cash flow.

Plan for this by building a cash reserve during peak months to carry you through quieter periods. A simple rule of thumb is to set aside 15-20% of peak month revenue into a buffer account. Review your monthly costs against your seasonal revenue forecast to identify potential shortfalls before they become a crisis.

What This Means for Your Pricing

If you sell 200 arrangements per month, each one needs to contribute approximately EUR 46 towards your overheads — before any profit. In Dublin, that overhead contribution figure rises to EUR 55 to EUR 70.

The Operating Cost Calculator helps you map out all your costs in one place, and the Cost Evaluation Calculator lets you assess whether your current pricing genuinely supports your business.