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Couples looking for Valentine’s Day values this year

Florists say roses will be pricier because of worldwide demand.

Staff photo by Nick Daggy Beth Mills, a designer at Flower Cart in Carlisle, works on a Valentine's Day arrangement Thursday Feb. 4.

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By Jessica Heffner, Staff Writer 8:30 PM Saturday, February 6, 2010

Significant others may be getting a little less from their sweetie this Valentine’s Day, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t good value gifts to be had.

According to data from the National Retail Federation, couples will spend about $5 less this year on their partner or spouse, budgeting about $63.34 for gifts.

More people are considering unique or personal gifts, such as clothing options, up 4.2 percent to 14.4 percent overall this year as a spending option.

“The economy has forced consumers to rethink their gift-giving practices,” said Phil Rist, executive vice president of strategic initiatives for BIGresearch, which conducted the NRF survey. “Personal and unique gifts will speak volumes this Valentine’s Day as consumers dig deep into their hearts and not their wallets.”

Flowers remain the most popular option, with 54.9 percent of people saying they will be buying a bouquet this year, according to the NRF.

Residents will want to get their roses earlier, as prices could increase the closer it gets to Valentine’s Day, said Barb Williams, owner of the Carlisle Flower Cart on Central Avenue in Carlisle.

“We pre-ordered our roses in October based on projected sales, but since then there has been a freeze in South America and a lot of the crops there were ruined so now we are talking about supply and demand,” she said. “We can only keep the price low for the roses we pre-ordered. After that, the price will jump and I don’t know how high it will jump.”

Glen Stacy, owner of Max Stacy Flowers in Hamilton, said prices have also increased year over year and tend to be higher because of the worldwide demand.

“If this were heating oil, you would expect the price to go up in the winter. It’s the same with roses on Valentine’s Day,” he said.

Their popular 25 loose roses for $25 will bump up to $35 for the holiday. And Stacy advised customers that while his store and others will stay open for last minute shoppers on Sunday, last minute deliveries will cost extra “so plan ahead.”

Right now the Flower Cart is offering a dozen roses with flower accents in an urn vase with a ribbon for $55, about $10 off the normal price. A vase with 10 tulips is $25 and small cube vase with various pink, red and white flowers will be priced at $25.

To save money on Valentine’s Day, Don Sheiley of Fairfield Twp. said he is considering offering to help a florist out. He has a friend who helps deliver flowers in exchange for a high-end bouquet as well as a free lunch and car fill-up.

“It’s a ‘you scratch my back scenario,’” he said. “I think we need more of that these days.

Stacy was quick to point out that volunteers would always be welcome as the store has to hire contractors to help make deliveries during the holiday.

Flower tips

Bouquets of all kinds can be found at florists and grocers alike. The key to making them last is proper maintenance, Williams said.

Here are some tips to help your bouquets last longer, thereby making your gift a better value:

• Change the water frequently. Daily is the best since bacteria can grow quickly and as Williams said, “flowers do not like to drink bacteria, would you?”

• Use floral life packets. These contain vitamins, minerals and anti-bacterial and anti-fungal preservatives to help keep your bouquets fresh. Get extra to span the life of the bouquet (about a week). Since florists give these packets away, most should be OK with giving you a few extra packs, Williams said.

• Don’t have those floral packets? Just mix a teaspoon of bleach and a tablespoon of sugar in a gallon of water. Use the amount you need in the vase daily to keep flowers fresh.

• Clip the stems. You want to cut at least an inch off the bottom of bouquets at a 45 degree angle to help water flow. Roses should be cut under water to prevent air bubbles from getting in the stem, causing buds to droop.

• Check arrangements. If you have flowers delivered, you should have everything you need. If the flowers are placed in foam, make sure the foam stays wet.

• Keep flowers away from heat. The cooler flowers are, the longer they will last so keep vases away from vents, TVs, stoves, strong lights and other sources of heat.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2843 or jheffner@coxohio.com.

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