The current economic downturn has lead to wilting revenue for the Athens flower business as local flower shops are anticipating some of their lowest numbers on their busiest day of the year.
During the week of Valentine's Day, the Athens Flower Shop, 252 E. State St., makes twice the amount as any other week, said the owner, Jim Sands. However, he said he does not see this year's sales amounting to that much.
We usually have lines out the door on Valentine's Day and I would be surprised if it is that busy on Saturday
Sands said.
While the economy has hurt the flower business, the day of the week that Valentine's Day falls on has a significant influence on flower sales, Sands said.
When Valentine's Day is on a weekend people go to dinner concerts or a movie
but if it occurs during a weekday
people seem to choose flowers more often to express their love and appreciation
Sands said. Because it's a Saturday and more people are more careful with their money
I'm anticipating slower sales.
During the weekdays, people send flowers to the office of a loved one, while on the weekend more people come in and get flowers and take them home, said Polly Creech, the owner of Hyacinth Bean Florist. So far Hyacinth Bean Florist, 94 Columbus Road, has made 75 percent of what it made last Valentine's Day week, Creech said. She hopes to make $10,000 this Valentine's Day season.
In the past Jack Neal Floral, 12 W. Union St., has been so busy that employees turned away Valentine's Day orders, but this year they will accept all of the orders they receive, said the owner, Tasha Neal. She said she is hoping for 200 deliveries or more on Saturday alone.
It's hard to predict how business will be because it's never the same from year to year
Neal said. Business has gone down a lot
especially from what it was 10 years ago.
Local flower businesses are using special promotions to increase their sales before tomorrow.
Hyacinth Bean Florist is offering several arrangements that cater to different age groups, the most popular costing $25, $35 and $65, Creech said.
Athens Flower Shop has several arrangements in the $20 to $25 range that are promoted by FTD, a national flower company, Sands said.
Coupons for Jack Neal Floral were dispersed in hopes of attracting customers, Neal said. The coupons offered 10 percent off purchases or free delivery, Neal added.
With the way things are
we want to get every dollar when we can and where we can
Neal said.
