Exotic flowers fail to attract athletes, delegates

The Games merchandise was and is in huge demand and athletes and delegates are buying items in hordes. But the only flower shop in the Games Village isn’t as lucky.

The Games merchandise was and is in huge demand and athletes and delegates are buying items in hordes. But the only flower shop in the Games Village isn’t as lucky.

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“When we were asked to put up a stall here, the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (OC) had shown us a rosy picture. They claimed that foreigners love flowers in their rooms and the stall would be a hit. We were disappointed by the response,” said Arjun Paul Lakhanpal, manager of Whitefields, a Vasant Kunj based flower company.

He said the shop has sold only 25 bouquets in the past fortnight. The only demand has been is for marigold (genda) flowers that is used at the religious centre inside the Village.

The centre has prayer facilities for five religions — Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism and Sikhism. Lakhanpal rued that the athletes didn’t show much interest in flowers even if there were a celebration at their apartments.

“We sold only 25 bouquets in the past 20 days. Even if there was a medal ceremony inside we did not get any requests for bouquets,” said Lakahnpal.

He added that flowers like white lilies, orchids, carnations and roses have not found any takers yet. “Though the Village will be functional till 20th October we are closing shop now. We cannot afford to bear more losses,” he added.