Central California Floral Shops Prepared for Valentine’s Day
FRESNO – Michael Butler of Chase Flower Shop in Fresno, established in 1947, says Valentine’s Day is one of the two biggest days of the year for the floral shop, alongside Mother’s Day. It’s also not surprising to hear that recent customers, most of whom are men, are picking up classic gifts often associated with Valentine’s Day.
“A dozen roses are a sentimental favorite,” Butler said.
In addition to roses, customers at Chase can also purchase carnations, daisies, chrysanthemums, snapdragons, lilies and many other varieties of flowers. Most of the flowers come from South America and other areas of California. In preparation for this time of year, Chase hires more help and rents extra delivery vehicles.
Unlike Chase, Bloomie’s Flowers and Gifts in Selma is still a new business, opened in September of 2012. It is also reporting many males picking up traditional gifts for their sweethearts, along with an increase in sales.
“For Valentine’s Day, the big items are half a dozen and dozens. So roses, basically,” said Yesenia Espinoza of Bloomie’s.
Bloomie’s also sells delicious candies and furry stuffed animals.
According to the California Farm Bureau, the flower crop this year is in good shape for Valentine’s Day, despite the cold weather. Flower growers in the state were able to preserve what they grew with protective coverings such as greenhouses and hoop houses.
