Sales blossomed on flowers

WHEN it comes to romance, South Africans believe in flower power – if a major supermarket chain’s statistics are anything to go by.

Pick n Pay reported a 96% increase in the number of Valentine’s Day bouquets (roses, rose-based bouquets and bunches of flowers) sold between February 12 and 14, when compared with the same period last year.

Head of marketing John Bradshaw said more than two-thirds had been sold on February 14. “What made us smile is that sales of Valentine’s Day products continued into the day after Valentine’s Day – yesterday – of which 90% were sold to men!” Bradshaw said.

There was also a steady build-up in the purchases of chocolates, wine, sushi and a Valentine’s Day meal deal over the same period.

The water used to store the flowers in Cape Town was non- municipal water, sourced from outside the drought-stricken city.

While flowers and a dinner may seem like a cliché, there could be far worse options.

Bradshaw pointed to a survey Pick n Pay ran on Facebook this week which asked about the worst gift people had received for Valentine’s Day. The responses included an expired gift card, repackaged gifts from past partners, household items such as an ironing board and a mop, a used soap on a rope, a “please call me” and a bottle of hot sauce paired with a taser. – Weekend Argus Reporter