LIHUE — Alan Tada, owner of Flowers Forever, estimates he brought in about 3,500 roses for Valentine’s Day. “It’s been a little busier this year,” he said. Valentine’s Day business picked up last week and florists have been assembling up
LIHUE — Alan Tada, owner of Flowers Forever, estimates he brought in about 3,500 roses for Valentine’s Day.
“It’s been a little busier this year,” he said.
Valentine’s Day business picked up last week and florists have been assembling up to 60 bouquets a day. They have made around 600 since Monday, he said.
The shop made about 200 assortments Friday, he said.
“Friday is the day every husband or boyfriend wants to send flowers to their girls in front of their co-workers,” he said.
Tada remembers when he used to deliver flowers to a girl’s workplace, the women would follow him until he delivered them to the right recipient.
“They’re the queen for the day,” he said.
Kala Oshiro, owner of Kala’s Kreations in Kapaa, said his business also picked up Thursday and Friday.
“Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday this year, so we’ve been getting orders to be sent out to work to show off,” he said, laughing.
Oshiro ordered about 1,000 roses for Valentine’s Day this year.
“It can be hard to gauge what people want to order, and how much they will order, so we never know if we’re going to make money or lose money,” he said.
Valentine’s Day is not just about love. It’s about money, too. Big money.
According to reports, average annual Valentine’s Day spending is nearly $20 billion this year. That goes for candy, flowers, cards, jewelry, dining out, clothing and gift cards.
According to the National Retail Federation, about 55 percent of Americans celebrate Valentine’s Day, but those who do will shell out an average of $146.84, up from last year’s average of $142.31.
Business in February is consistent every year, Oshiro said. But the holiday adds to an already busy schedule of filling orders for wedding and funeral arrangements, he added.
Most of Tada and Oshiro’s business comes from locals, who buy rose bouquets for their significant other. Visitors on Kauai for a romantic getaway tend to spring for exotic bouquets, Tada said.
Arlene Carbonel-Santana, owner of Blue Orchid in Kola, agreed.
“Locals come in to get the regular dozen roses, but visitors want the exotic tropicals,” she said.
Tropical arrangements often include orchids, hydrangeas and anthuriums.
“They’re anything that grows on island,” Oshiro said.
Oshiro said some of his local clientele will choose tropical arrangements over rose bouquets.
“They like them because they last longer, so they can enjoy them longer,” he said.
Carbonel-Santana said her Valentine’s Day business picked up last week. She credits that with the holiday being on a Sunday this year.
“People usually wait until last minute, but they weren’t sure we were going to be open Sunday, so they started calling early,” she said.
All of the arrangements Blue Orchid makes are personalized, Carbonel-Santana said.
“We do everything from the heart,” she said. “I always tell my girls, if it’s not good enough to give to your significant other, why would it be good enough for the client?”
