Last-minute Valentine’s Day rush inevitable
Attention gentlemen; you’re running out of time – Valentine’s Day is Wednesday.
That’s right, the day to celebrate love is happening this week.
And since it’s typically a day where women are spoiled with gifts, local retailers are prepping for that last minute rush.
“It’s men shopping and they tend to be last minute,” said Glenda Passmore, manager of Hi Ho Silver.
Jewellery has been a staple Valentine’s Day gift for years. But that doesn’t mean it has to be hearts, diamonds or sparkles.
At Hi Ho Silver, Passmore said they try to encourage men to get something a little more unique for the occasion.
The store carries 19th century seals stamped in gold, silver or bronze, that carry special meaning, for example.
Over in East City, Janet McLeod, owner of East City Flower Shop, was prepping for the flower industry’s single busiest day of the year.
“Everything happens on that one day,” McLeod said.
Vases filled with red-and-pink hued flowers adorned the shop Monday, sending hints to buyers as they perused the store.
This year, McLeod said they’ve been working with a lot of red gerberas and pink mums to create bouquets.
But the traditional red rose remains a die-hard favourite.
“It’s still the most popular,” said McLeod, who’s been in business for 40 years.
Janice Kerr, manager of The Nutty Chocolatier, is still waiting for her big Valentine’s Day rush. Like other retailers, Kerr knows it’ll be the day before or day of.
“It seems to be last minute because it’s mostly men out there buying and they are just a creature of last minute,” Kerr said.
When the other half does make it in, they’re usually after the tried and true heart shaped box of candy. Chocolate marshmallows are also a hit as well as novelty chocolates that say “I Love You” or “Be Mine.”
Although chocolate might seem cliché for Valentine’s Day, Kerr said you can’t go wrong with the sweet treat.
“It’s great holiday for chocolate ... it evokes wonderful memories and love,” Kerr said.
If you’d like to see your loved one serenaded, the Aces of Harmony will do just that. The group is offering barbershop quartets Wednesday for $50. They’ll travel to the recipient; deliver a card, a rose and two songs. To book the group, call Dave at 705-743-8184, Max at 705-748-4969 or email aces. valentine@gmail.com
Looking for something to do on Valentine’s Day? Here’s a list of some events:
• Valentine’s Day lunch: Activity Haven Senior Centre, Barnardo Ave.
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – $6 Menu: sweet and sour meatballs, rice, mixed veggies, dessert and coffee Info: 705-876-1670
• Valentine’s Day Dinner and Axes: Peterborough Axe Club, Perry St.
6 p.m. – $65 per person Includes dinner, wine and axe throwing. Food catered by BE Catering
Info: 705-768-2846
• For the Love of Magic: Ashburnham Reception Centre, Armour Rd. (19 and up)
7 to 9:30 p.m. – $50
Fundraiser for the Alternatives Community Program Services’ Braidwood Neighbourhood Project.
Includes hors d’oeuvres, adultthemed magic, silent auction, prizes
Info: 705-808-0304
• Valentines Board Game Night: Amusé Coffee Co., George St.
7 to 10 p.m. – $30
Includes board games, dessert and drink
Info: 705-874-7640
• For the Lovers: The Garnet, Hunter St. W.
8 to 11 p.m. – $10
Live music by Melissa Payne, Paper Shakers and Peachykine