Sales drop on Valentine’s Day

 

Some Windsor businesses are reporting weak sales on their Valentine’s Day specials.

The owner of Janette Florist, Brandy Sullivan, said sales this year are not as good as last year, but roses were still in high demand on Valentine’s Day.

Part of the issue was higher prices this year.

“A lot of flowers in a short period of time cost more to grow so they are a little up in price,” said Sullivan.

St. Clair College student Ryan Jones said the cost is too high.

“I can’t believe how expensive roses are on Valentine’s Day. 80 dollars for 12 roses, at this price you can buy a ring or a necklace.”

Other people think the timing of Valentine’s Day may have affected sales since it fell on a Tuesday, not the weekend.

There is also some evidence that a lot of people don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day at all.

According to a 2015 survey by digital coupons website RetailMeNot.ca, 78 per cent of Canadians feel Valentine’s Day is an overrated occasion. In 2016, a survey of more than 1,500 Canadians found 66 per cent of respondents were planning to spend less money on Valentine’s Day than they did last year.

Casa Chavela, a store of exotic fair-trade goods from over 40 countries, has been operating in downtown Windsor for 31 years.

Owner Liz Munsterhjelm does not expect an increase in sales around this time of year.

“For my business, Valentine’s Day is not really special. It’s not a big deal for me, not like Christmas. Many people come here to buy all kinds of gifts for their family members (on a regular basis),” said Liz Munsterhjelm.