Businesses Prepare for Valentine's Day Rush - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

Businesses Prepare for Valentine's Day Rush

Valentine's Day is almost here.  For many retailers, it's one of the busiest times of the year.

According to the National Retail Federation, the average person is expected to spend $126.00 on Valentine's Day gifts.  Much of that money, will be spent on candy and flowers.

On Wednesday, at Pulakos Chocolates near the Millcreek Mall, it was nonstop business.  For the entire day, there was a long line of customers purchasing last minute gifts.

"We have not stopped since I got here at 11:00 a.m."  said Pulakos Manager Elizabeth Zahar.  "There's been a consistent line of people, at one point, wrapping around the store."

This year, some of their popular gifts include sponge candy and boxes of chocolate.  But as always, their top seller is chocolate covered strawberries.

Meanwhile, at Larese Floral Design on Peach Street, employees have been busy prepping, cutting, and rehydrating each flower and bouquet all week long. 

Company owner Carl Larese says that this year has been even busier than ever, and they've already seen a 20 percent boost in sales.

"Valentine's Days, people always gravitate towards that old reliable rose," said Larese.  "We try to talk people into doing a mixture of flowers because they'll last a lot longer."

Both companies expect this years holiday to be a huge success.