A florist in a bustling village says she has noticed a rise in the number of people buying flowers using cash, particularly over Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
Alison Howe, proprietor of Mad Lilies in Banstead, Surrey, says she’s “determined” to continue accepting cash, fearing it could otherwise end up being phased out.
Bank branch closures in the area have made accepting cash payments more of a challenge, however.
With fewer banks open, the florist relies on Post Office for change.
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Mad Lilies proprietor Alison Howe is 'determined' to continue accepting cash
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At times, they have even had to resort to asking neighbouring retailers to exchange notes for coins.
Ms Howe told payment choice campaigners: “With very few banks left in the high street, we are left with having to go to the Post Office for ordering change.
“We have to ask neighbouring shops for one-pound coins, which is not ideal and relies on the generosity of fellow shopkeepers.
Ms Howe, who has run the florist for the past 11 years, has seen an increase in cash usage among her customers on certain occasions in the year, but there’s been an overall trend of more card payments.
She said: “11 years ago, 60 per cent of customers paid in cash.
“This has now dropped to 15 per cent but I am determined to continue to accept cash because if people don’t use cash we will lose it forever.”
The business owner asked why there was the fight to “hang on to Sterling all those years ago” when there seems to be a move towards “trying to get rid of the pound”.
The florist operates on small margins, made even tougher considering their wholesale flower prices are up 35 per cent, and with the high card payment charges to cover, cash is a lifeline.
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Martin Quinn, director of the campaign group the Payment Choice Alliance, urged Britons to consider paying with cash where they can.
He told GB News: “With small retailers like florists operating on tight margins, think again when buying that bouquet, spread the love to the florist too by paying in cash.
“Paying with cash is also a great way to manage your budget and not to overspend, especially on special occasions.”
