Maybe I am misunderstanding?

last year

last modified: last year

Maybe I am missing something. They way that I read this, Antique Rose Emporium is planning on "rewarding loyal customers" with a price raise. Seems like a slap in the face to me. No thanks, I will look somewhere else for roses. I understand that prices don't always stay the same, but this announcement seems off. See announcement in comments.

Featured Answer

Cole C.

last year

Wow Moses, I have purchased dozens of roses from them (I think I currently have almost 100 plants from ARE) and I’ve only ever had that issue with a singular variety (Brazos Belle), the rest have always been very very good sized plants with well established roots. Definitely much larger than 1 gallon sized plants I have recieved from other companies (Heirloom, J&P, DA, Roses Unlimited, K&M, etc).

I personally, while of course sad about a price increase, think it’s well beyond time. They have always had very low pricing compared to most of the rose market. I certainly won’t complain about recieving a 2 gallon rose for (assuming) $30 something when DA and Jackson and Perkins are selling 2 QUART roses for $50. While price increase is never ”great”, I do think it’s a good thing. The last thing we want is more rose businesses going out because they’re not making enough profit to keep things going.

I personally didn’t see anything off about their announcement, aside from a bit of awkwardness.

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Comments (9)

Brandon Garner
Original Author
last year
Sheila z8a Rogue Valley OR
last year
You can order now to get the lower price before the price increase after Labor Day, Brandon. I have Dr. Grill coming from ARE. They are one of my favorite companies.
Brandon Garner thanked Sheila z8a Rogue Valley OR
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Heather RR (PNW 8b)
last year
I had only seen the email they sent and while I was a bit bummed it didn’t strike me as anything but a heads up to get our shopping in before the prices go up. The post in your screenshot below is definitely a bit odd with all the emojis and akward tone but I would give them the benefit of the doubt. I’ve gotten a lot of good roses from them and will probably take some time this weekend to pick up a few wishlist roses.

Here is the email I got from them
Brandon Garner thanked Heather RR (PNW 8b)
Moses, Pitt PA, cold W & hot-humid S, z6
last year
last modified: last year
Brandon,

I have bought several roses from ARE over the years and most of them were 1 gallon or less size (regarding maturity), rose growing in a two gallon pot. Hold your breath and hope for the best when an ARE rose arrives and you go to plant it in ground. The soil will inevitably fall away from the roots no matter how careful you are. The bush will need a lot of TLC to overcome the shock unless it is an early spring planting during dormancy.

Buying from them only when the rose in question is available from no other source at the time is my rule of thumb.

Yes, I agree with you. Flatter the customer and praise the product, then announce a price increase is generally considered tacky. I am not 100% certain that ARE is even aware of their announcement being tacky. I hope they aren't.

Moses
Brandon Garner thanked Moses, Pitt PA, cold W & hot-humid S, z6
BenT (NorCal 9B Sunset 14)
last year
A new family took over ARE from the Shoups in 2022, purchasing everything (land, structures, name) so I bet their cost basis is much higher . The recent change in ownersip coupled with inflation probably makes some price increase necessary. I also think some variability in plant size would be expected from a small own root vendor depending on when the buyer ordered and what they have in stock. But my standards are rather low, if its alive and correct variety I’m generally OK with the purchase. I only buy online what I can’t get as big bud and bloom plants locally.
Brandon Garner thanked BenT (NorCal 9B Sunset 14)
dianela7analabama
last year
last modified: last year
Brandon I think in this case you are misinterpreting the post.

Like most I don’t like price increases, but I would not take their message as anything other than a heads up for customers. I hope you all have a wonderful fall rose planting season this year.
Brandon Garner thanked dianela7analabama
rifis (zone 6b-7a NJ)
last year
“ …our roses will remain below industry costs ..”

Interestingly, ARE is advertising for a horticultural marketing intern. Apparently a non-paid position.

Prospective interns beware.

https://www.antiqueroseemporium.com/pages/join-our-team
Brandon Garner thanked rifis (zone 6b-7a NJ)
Vaporvac Z6-OhioRiverValley
last year
Call COLE , How is your Brazos bell doing for you? Mine has always been a MitchMidge MIDGE Fastest FEST But the flowers I have gotten have been beautiful and fragrant. How is it growth habit for you Mine is in A lot of weeds and overgrowth and I recently Replanted it in a friend's garden that has really great Great sun so I'm hopeful There. But if it does well I may replace it! Just curious because no 1 else seems to be growing this1.
Brandon Garner thanked Vaporvac Z6-OhioRiverValley