Jo Barnes, of Flowers by Jo, is busy preparing for
By Jade Lawton
TIME is running out for district residents to get in the good books of their partner or surprise that special someone this Valentine’s Day.
The day of love is this Saturday – leaving only a few days to make the restaurant booking, organise flowers and buy chocolates.
Manager of Shanikas Viale Restaurant in Pakenham, Nigel Boltwin, said he’d had lots of enquiries, and expected to be booked out before Saturday.
“We usually fill up in the last week, because we men usually leave things to the last minute,” he said.
“If you want to dine here on Valentines Day, you’ll need to act quickly!”
While some couples celebrate the day with dinner, others show their love by exchanging toy devils.
Jo Barnes, of Flowers by Jo, said toy devils had proved popular so far this year, along with the traditional dozen red roses and big white teddy bears.
“I’ve got quite a few orders in already. I’m expecting to be just as busy this year, even though we miss out on a few office and school jobs when the day is on a Saturday,” she said.
At Pakenham Florist, manager Allie Moonen said roses were still the favourite, but irises, lilies, and gerberas were also popular.
“People should get in early – because of the extreme heat last week, the roses might not be as plentiful,” she said.
Pakenham Florist staff will be out delivering for most of the day, while some man the shop to cater for the last-minute shoppers.
Owner of The Chocolate Shop, Debbie Pratt, said staff were “all geared to go” in the next few days.
“We’ve been selling lots of chocolate hearts and roses, some boxes and we’re starting to get orders for hampers,” she said.
“And with every purchase, people have a chance to win a Valentines Day hamper.”
The economic crisis doesn’t seem to have dinted love, with most traders reporting customers spending much the same as last year.
