Flowers and gifts don’t come cheap

By: Victoria Parent

Valentine’s Day is coming fast and many struggle as to how much they should or can spend on gifts.

 

The cost of gift bought such as flowers and chocolates makes Valentine’s Day a struggle for love struck shoppers. Retailers around Windsor are trying to make it easier on customers looking to buy for this Valentine’s Day.

 

Kathy Molenaar is the current owner of Victoria’s Flowers. She’s owned the business for five years but the store has been open for over 32 years. The store sells flowers, jewelry, chocolates and other gifts. Molenaar has been preparing the store for Valentine’s Day and she understands that the economy is a major factor in people purchasing flowers and gifts.

 

“Victoria’s Flowers has been purchased in the last five years by myself, and we have only been able to grow with the economy,” said Molenaar.

 

Besides flowers and plushies, one of the most popular gifts bought on Valentine’s Day is chocolate. According to statistics, close to 50 per cent of the gifts bought for Valentine’s Day are chocolates and candies, and baskets and chocolate boxes can range from $5 all the way into the hundreds of dollars.

 

Walker’s Candies is a chocolate and candy store on Howard Avenue. They have been open since 1920 and since 1989 the Obeid family has taken over and continues to make homemade candy.

 

Ray Obeid is the owner of the store and has been preparing different varieties of chocolates for Valentine’s day. He said it is the busiest day of the year with over a thousand customers coming in.

 

“I would say the highest amount some people would spend is about 100 bucks….but mostly we sell the one pound heart which is about $29,” siad Obbeid.
In the end whether you want to buy your significant other flowers, chocolates or something else, the best bet is to know your budget, and retailers will be ready to help.