Valentine's Day Spending Up
And she's not alone. Chuck Freeland is looking forward to Valentine's Day 2012.
"I'd say I'm spending a little more this year," Freeland says. "I just got hired on at a new job," he added.
Local businesses are also seeing the uptick in spending. Sparks Florist plans to deliver 1,200 bouquets on Valentine's Day. The day before, they were putting the finishing touches on hundreds of arrangements. Those in the flower business say there's a reason it's a good year.
"Weekdays are much better for Valentine's Day because most people like to get flowers at work. They want to show their co-workers and friends that they are loved," said Suzanne Shepherd of Sparks Florist.
Valentine's Day is the biggest day of the year for florists, with Mother's Day coming in second. Red roses are still the most popular, but exotic flowers are in demand too. Arrangements vary from simple to fancy, and range from 15-dollars to hundreds of dollars. Research shows that half of all gift-givers will choose candy, while about a third choose flowers.