Changing the Face of Valentine's Day, One Edible Arrangement at a Time

Looking for a tasty treat for a loved one this Valentine’s Day? You’re not alone.

The staff at 8732 S Kedzie Ave, has been filling orders for the last week for Cupid’s holiday, which is their biggest business event of the year. Felicia Thornton, manager, said she expects the store to be busy until a few days after Valentine’s Day with late orders.

“Because it falls on a Monday, a lot of people celebrate it on the weekend,” Thornton said on Friday. “People were sending them yesterday, today and tomorrow. Then we’ll get those people who do it last minute and send arrangements on Tuesday or Wednesday. It’s a holiday that lasts all week.”

In Evergreen Park for five years, each Edible Arrangements store is individually owned but still part of the franchise. The alternative to flowers and other gifts, the store sells food arrangements, boxes of chocolate and chocolate-covered strawberries, among other treats.

“We sell for different occasions. Arrangements can go from the individual to banquets, to holidays, weddings, receptions, thank yous,” Thornton said. “People use us for several occasions.”

Thornton said she sees a lot of customers purchasing Edible Arrangements for the person in their life “who has everything.” Another popular purchase is an arrangement as an alternative to a birthday cake.

 “A lot of people come in and say, ‘My son or daughter doesn’t want cake, they want Edible Arrangements,’” Thornton said.

One of the reasons the arrangements may be so popular on special occasions is because of its healthy alternative to other treats. Thornton said they do a lot of business with hospitals and pharmaceutical representatives looking to send out "thank you's." They also sell fruit salads in the store, so customers often pop in for a healthy lunch.

Another type of customer frequently visiting the store is from those looking to say “sorry” to their significant others. Not only do the Edible Arrangement employees take the order, they also sometimes play a role in getting the lovebirds back together.

“A lot of guys who come in say, ‘I messed up, and I need the problem to go away,’” Thornton said. “When we deliver it, the (recipient) will say, ‘No, I don’t want it.’ In most cases we can persuade them to take it.”

For Valentine’s Day, Edible Arrangements sees a lot of orders for Berry Chocolate Bouquets featuring heart shapes; a heart and berries arrangement; and seared chocolate roses which are chocolate-covered strawberries on long skewers.

Thornton said another popular Valentine’s item is all-chocolate covered strawberries in ceramic containers.

“We have a sweetheart bouquet that is very economical and very nice looking,” she said.

Thornton said those looking to get Valentine’s Day orders in should do so as soon as possible to ensure a delivery on Monday.

Although the store is hopping right now, and business is usually fairly good, the poor economy has not spared Edible Arrangements.

“We see some slow months here and there,” Thornton said. “A few days we only have 10 to 15 orders, other days we have 30 to 40 orders. It has affected us somewhat. Yet, "People are still making it a priority to order Edible Arrangements,” Thornton said.

Making excellent customer service a priority is one of the qualities that keep people coming in despite the economy, Thornton said.

“There are a lot of stores in the area. People say we offer the best customer service. We get the order and we get it done,” she said. “We make sure we have a good quality product. If we do get something that someone is not happy with, we will take care of that customer.”

Their commitment to Evergreen Park is probably also impressive to customers. Involved in the , the store also tries to fulfill as many donation requests as possible. They also participate in annual In Good Company charity event each year, Thornton said.

Edible Arrangements is aware that not everyone can afford an expensive arrangement, which is why they offer a wide variety of prices, with gifts starting at just $3.

“Not everything is expensive. We can accommodate just about everybody,” Thornton said.

To order an arrangement, either stop by the store, visit the website or call (708) 636-4438. The store also offers delivery service for a flat $12 charge.

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