Feb 15, 2010

Floral industry sees boost on Valentine’s DayBy Nadia CrowFox28.com

Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day. And some Michiana retailers are cashing in on romance. Despite the economy, showing your sweetheart you care is still a top priority.

“It’s not last minute; I got a little while still yet,” said shopper Gary Showalter.

Goshen’s Gary Showalter is still trying to find the perfect Valentine’s gift for the love of his life he married some 40 years ago.

“Probably roses, probably roses,” said Showalter.

It’s a staple for the holiday. But the economy threatened to leave some heartbroken.

“Buying something together instead of a lot of separate pieces they’re still buying but maybe buying less,” said Goshen Floral & Gift Shop Owner Sally Spurlock.

Goshen Floral & Gift Shop Owner Sally Spurlock says business has done surprisingly well this past week, despite the recession.

“We haven’t raised our rose prices in 5 years,” said Spurlock.

She says Valentine’s Day falling on a Sunday was key.

“It helped us really not to have it all on one day like it usually is,” said Spurlock.

Spurlock says people celebrated on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and those a bit more forgetful will buy on Monday. Despite the economy, shoppers like Showalter say they just can’t break tradition.

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