Customers Flock to Golden Valley Flower Shop on Valentine's Day

Spencer Davis is hoping this Valentine’s Day is better than last year’s. The 33-year-old mechanic forgot all about the holiday last year and went home to his girlfriend of four years empty handed. 

“It completely slipped my mind,” he said. “My girlfriend, Bell, thought I was being quiet about Valentine’s Day because I was planning something big, but I wasn’t.”

Davis apologized repeatedly for the Valentine’s Day blunder and earned his girlfriend’s forgiveness a few days later.

“It was a long few days,” he said with a chuckle. “I don’t plan on making that mistake again.”

Davis plans to buy flowers and make a homemade dinner for two on Tuesday night.

“I’ll make up for last year,” he said. “I plan on being quite charming.”

Like many men, Davis will hit the flower shop last minute and businesses like Best Wishes Floral in Golden Valley will be ready for him.

“Our shop looks like a department store on Christmas Eve,” Best Wishes Floral Owner Frank Bohlander said of the crowd on Valentine's Day. “It’s full of customers, mostly men, who have waited until the last minute.”

Knowing this holiday trend, Bohlander has added extra staff to keep up with demand.

“We double our staff in the store and quadruple our delivery drivers on Valentine’s Day,” he said. “This is one of the busiest days for floral shops.”

Bohlander has lots of company. This year, consumers are expected to spend more than $17 billion for Valentine’s Day-related merchandise, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF).

From significant others to teachers, children, friends and even pets, an NRF survey indicated that the average consumer plans on spending $126.03 to express their love this year. That figure represents more than an 8-percent increase over the 2011 average of $116.21.

“As one of the biggest gift-giving holidays of the year, it’s encouraging that consumers are still exhibiting the desire to spend on discretionary gift items, a strong indication our economy continues to move in the right direction,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay in a Feb. 1 news release.

“Retailers have replenished their inventories and will entice eager shoppers with great deals on everything from special menu items at restaurants to clothing to flowers and, of course, chocolates.”

Bohlander’s has done just that at his shop on Winnetka Avenue. “We have enough selection for everyone,” he said.

Despite his best efforts to encourage people to try something other than roses, the traditional red flowers are still the top sellers.

Davis plans to go the traditional route with flowers, and hopes this year's plans wipe out the memory of a forgotten Valentine’s Day.