The Love Business Booming This Valentine's Day Weekend
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Sweets for your sweetie. When you're talking flowers, candies and romantic gifts, no other holiday comes close to Valentine's Day.
At least, that's how hundreds of stores will rate this weekend's business boom.
Gigi Barnett has the details.
Before the break of day, "Flowers by Chris" florist in Mount Vernon is buzzing. The big order this weekend is long-stem red roses.
"They'll be in here with lines. Sometimes, they're out on Cathedral Street," said owner Chris Psoras.
Psoras' staff will deliver 500 arrangements this holiday weekend. Add in the bouquets set aside for pickup, and her bottom is more than any other holiday--even Mother's Day.
And nothing says love like red roses.
"Usually the men are so well indoctrinated by their wives, girlfriends, that if it's carnations they love, that's what they'll order. But it's not a lot of that. It's mainly roses," said Psoras.
Looking for something sweet to go with the flowers? Think chocolate-dipped strawberries. The work at Wockenfuss Candies in Baltimore City started at 6 a.m. Friday morning.
That means the Valentine's Day onslaught is underway.
"The 13th and 14th are the two biggest single days. The holiday is basically about a five-day holiday because of the male shopper who likes to do it at the last minute," said Paul Wockenfuss, Wockenfuss Candies president.
Every cupcake at "Flavor Cupcakery" in Cockeysville says love.
"Strawberries and champagne, our love cake, which is chocolate and marshmallow, and we've got love on top," said owner Shelly Stannard.
Stannard's team creates each Valentine's Day flavor. This weekend, she'll sell at least 8,000 cupcakes. Compare that to a typical 2,500 cupcake weekend.
It's a treat fast becoming a favorite of sweethearts.
"Cupcakes and sweet treats. It's a great way to express love and caring," said Stannard.
Retailers say it doesn't matter what day of the week Valentine's Day falls on, it's always a big holiday.