Most likely they have not been watered at the store since they arrived. To save the plants, cut off the flower stems down to the base of the plant without cutting off any leaves. Water the plants once a week by putting them under the faucet and give them a good drink. Once the pots have completely drained, put them back in your tray. Spray any exposed roots daily and keep them out of any direct sun but give them very bright light.

They look almost as though they have been frozen.

Tucker

thanks both! yes that's what I thought about them looking frozen! I did leave them on a window today and they have rapidly started going very pale :( the only bit of the plant that looks healthy are the flower storks so gonna be tough to cut them but there certainly isn't any activity at the flower end with the buds :( The leaves look totally dead now. Should I cut them off as well? Why must supermarkets store plants so badly?! many thanks for your help :)

I think they are done. I would throw them out and start over. The leaves look dead.

Jane

I agree,plus even if their was a very slim chance of saving it,which I don't think their is,it would take a long,long time.your better off getting new healthy plants and starting over, this will increase your chances of success. Velleta

Could this be severe sun burn?

It looks similar to this one-

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Orchids-727/2008/11/orchid-plant-yellow-leaf.htm