Imagine needing a bouquet of flowers in the middle of the night or on a holiday when flower shops are closed. Well, Zagreb has introduced the flower vending machine — a 24/7 flower shop at your fingertips! But is this a blessing for lovers and those wanting to brighten someone’s day, or just another way to squeeze money out of you? These flower vending machines offer 13 different bouquet and flower box models, priced between 25 and 50 euros. Yes, you read that right — up to 50 euros for a bouquet from a machine!
This innovative concept was brought by Katarina Ptičar Mikić, who found inspiration abroad where such machines are common. The first flower vending machine was installed in the Špansko neighborhood of Zagreb, with a second one planned soon. The bouquets come with toys like plush bears, butterflies, and even popular characters like Stitch. Everything is designed to catch your eye and sell flowers whenever you want, but at a price that’s not affordable for everyone.
Customers are mostly thrilled with the availability and appearance, but prices remain high. The machine is refrigerated to keep flowers fresh and is restocked almost daily. Katarina and her husband Kresimir run the business together and plan to expand the offerings and locations.
While the idea is practical and modern, the question arises — is this just another way to exploit our need for quick and accessible products, or does it truly bring convenience and joy to customers? Flowers have always been a symbol of care and love, but will automation kill the charm of hand-picked and arranged bouquets?
If you’ve ever bought flowers from a vending machine, do you know how much you paid and were you satisfied? Or is it better to wait for morning and visit a florist? Share your thoughts, maybe together we’ll find out if flower vending machines are the future or just a passing fad!
