With one day left for guys to get something for that special woman in their lives, local businesses have seen a surge in customers for Valentine’s Day.
“We’re probably going to be going crazy later today and tomorrow,” said Iris McLean of Fort Floral. “We’re doing good so far.
There’s lots of deliveries.”
She noted that, as might be expected, red roses are, by far, the most popular purchase for men at Fort Floral, but carnations are a great second choice for those thinking of flowers that last a little longer.
McLean added only occasionally do male customers need help deciding what they want in the flower shop.
“Some of them know exactly what they want. They’ll see arrangements on TV and say, ‘I want that.” They know they can get them with chocolates or teddy bears.
“You’ve got to have the chocolates,” she smiled.
“The phone’s been ringing all week. We’ve been delivering steady,” agreed Lori Shoemaker of Tammi’s Flower Garden.
“There’s been a lot of deliveries to the offices today,” she added, echoing McLean that men coming into the store are almost unanimously looking for a dozen red roses—wrapped or in a vase—as a Valentine’s Day gift.
“We have many colours, they’re all beautiful. But they want red,” she remarked, adding some opt to add balloons or plush animals to the mix.
“It’s been brisk already today,” said Don Patrick at Gagné’s Pharmacy.
“And I’m sure it’ll be busier tomorrow.
“I overheard one man say today, ‘It’s kind of early yet,’ when someone asked him if he was shopping for Valentine’s Day,” he chuckled, adding chocolates and Hallmark cards are the top sellers at this time of year, followed by candles, giftware, and plush animals.
Sabrina Stoessinger of Pharmasave said there’s been a bustle of women and children snatching up Valentine’s cards, candy, and chocolates—but few men.
“Usually, they don’t come here until the last minute, just as we’re closing the doors,” she remarked.
Stoessinger noted for an extra special Valentine’s Day treat, folks might want to check out a chocolate rose-making demonstration by Erin Rencher of Erin’s Candy there tomorrow from noon-4 p.m.
But some lovers want to sweep that special lady off their feet with a night on the town, and that’s where local restaurants (and if the night goes especially well, hotels) come into play.
“The dining room is going to be very busy tonight and tomorrow,” said Georges Blanc of La Place Rendez-Vous. “There’s some room now, but it’ll probably be booked solid.”^He added all the deluxe rooms at the Rendez-Vous—which feature luxurious jacuzzis—are booked up for tomorrow night, too.
Kettle’s Restaurant also said they expected to be quite busy tomorrow evening.
And for those who want to share their love for one another by showing they care for others in the community, a Valentine’s Day fundraiser for district woman Stephanie Hawkins is planned for tomorrow from 7:30 p.m.-midnight at the Little Beaver Snow Park.
There will be games, competitions, prizes, a 50/50 draw, musicians, a garage sale, and more.
Tickets cost $20 each, and those attending also are asked to bring along a garage sale item they wish to donate (table item only).
For more info, call 274-3553 (days) or 274-04095 (evenings).
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
