Flower and chocolate shops show ‘love’ on Valentine’s Day

Feb 14, 2018 | 2:35 PM

KAMLOOPS — From flower bouquets and balloons, to chocolate and candy, this is the day to show your love and affection.

It’s true that Canadians have a love-hate relationship with Valentine’s Day. Some people either look forward to February 14th as an opportunity to enjoy our partner’s company, others dread what they consider a commercialized holiday that can put unrealistic pressure on their relationships. But regardless of the way you feel one thing is for certain, business typically booms on this day of love.

For some people, the way to their heart is through their stomach. 

Or maybe it’s the fragrant beauty of a fresh red rose.

But whatever it may be that tickles your fancy, today is the day to indulge in it – a day focused on love.

“They’re for my staff, showing the love, it’s Valentine’s Day, so this is a great time to do it.”
“I’m just picking up some roses for my wife, something I do every year oh yes.”

Valentine’s Day is renowned as the most romantic day of the year, and love is a busy affair for local businesses. At Kamloops Florist it’s all hands on deck, the shop ten times busier than normal.

“We’re getting out over 200 arrangements around town, I have 5 drivers, 2 walkers, and I think we have 9 staff working behind the scenes today, so it’s pretty busy,” says Kathy Underwood, Owner of Kamloops Florist.

Owner Kathy Underwood says employees have been rushing to fulfill the influx of orders they have received over the last two weeks. Cutting and designing arrangements.  

“We ordered the flowers back at Christmas time, started our web campaign and getting everything behind the scenes done, roses arrived on Friday and it’s been a full staff ever since.”   

From sweet smells, to sweet treats. People are also heading to bakeries and chocolate shops like Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for a tasty way to say ‘I love you’.

“Everything is popular at Valentine’s, chocolate , anything chocolate,” says Lucy Guido, Owner of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

But on this day, it’s all about one particular treat. Hours and hours of time is being spent dipping pounds of strawberries in white, milk or dark chocolate.

“We’ve been taking strawberry orders for a week or so, it’s a big part of our sales on Valentine’s Day, chocolate covered strawberries,” says Guido.

Sweets, flowers, or a card might be all your loved one wants. But whatever way you to choose to swoon your sweetie, make it about love, and keep it meaningful.