By Fay Simmons
jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
BUSINESSES that specialise in Valentine’s Day sales yesterday said demand for flowers and gift arrangements appeared strong despite continued concern over inflation pressures and the high cost of living.
M Ferguson, floral department manager, Lily of the Valley Florists, said last-minute sales had picked up. She said: “It’s going well. It has been slow during the year, but you know this time of year, people wait for the last minute to come in and place orders.”
Proprietor of The Flirty Flower, Jeffarah Gibson, said there was high demand for roses and non-traditional gifts while pre-order sales had been strong. She said: “People really wanted red roses. We were actually sold out from the last week in January. It seems as though people wanted something that was non-traditional, but still very edgy, very unique, and that was what we offered.
“I would say for small business, a solo venture, it was really good. I still have people even up to right now asking me if I’m able to create arrangements for them or do something for them. That clearly showed me there is a real demand for that particular style of floral gifting.”
The popularity of non-traditional gifts was also noted by Riel Major, owner of Berry Sweet, who said edible arrangements are popular because people enjoy a sweet treat. She said: “I think people just like to have something nice to eat. It’s a really nice and delicious treat, and I use good quality ingredients.”
Ms Major said Valentine’ Day and Mother’s Day are consistently her strongest sales days of the year, and this year repeated that trend. She said: “Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day bring in the most business. Valentine’s Day sales were good, pretty average for what I usually bring in every year.”
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