CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – The average American household spends $300 more per month, according to an economist from Moody’s Analytics. The expert compared current inflation prices last month to what would have been spent in 2018 and 2019.

Some of the biggest increases are for food and fuel.

Companies across the country are now considering how much fuel costs they can absorb until they pass some of the expense on to customers.

While many businesses have seen their revenue slow during the pandemic, flower shops have thrived.

“Not all companies have been as lucky as us. When people can’t see people, they send flowers,” said Amber Martinez, a cow owner from Byrum Florist.

Although sales have been steady, the Charlotte florist isn’t immune to supply chain issues and rising gas prices.

“I’m not saying it wasn’t a struggle. He has. Supplies were hard to get, shipping was a mess, but we had to get creative, that’s what we do. We are a florist,” Martinez said.

National flower delivery chains say those extra dollars at the pump have forced them to charge customers more. Martinez said they have their own in-house drivers and won’t raise prices until they have to.

“Our suppliers have helped us amortize it, we’re helping amortize it for our customers, we’re going to do that for as long as we can. If we go up a little, I think our customers will understand, but we’re getting by. good,” Martinez said. “Know that we’re going to do our best for them, that’s all we can do, and we’ve done it and they know what we’re going to do for them.”