The Daily Dispatch

With the Valentine's Day holiday falling on a Saturday this year, that could have meant dwindling sales for Twin Town floral shops.

Many shops, however, are seeing early orders blossom, eliminating any worries they had of the murky economy not showing this year's sales any love.

"I was surprised last Saturday at how many young gentleman were in," said Mary Brown, manager at Buds, Blooms and Antiques in Breckenridge.

The full service florist already started to deliver bouquets Monday and Tuesday, with many more deliveries scheduled for the rest of the week.

"Some people want to enjoy them before the 14th," Brown said, who's been selling more yellow rose arrangements than red so far this year.

Wahpeton Floral and Gift and Heather Ann's Floral and Gift are experiencing the same rush of early orders, which are boosting their sales. Both expect to send out a number of orders Thursday and Friday so recipients can enjoy their Valentine's Day gift a little longer.

"The economy has had an effect on the whole town," said Wahpeton Floral and Gift co-owner Karen Selken. "But we've seen a lot more activity this week, which is good."

All three florists anticipate a number of walk-ins on Saturday.

Despite rising costs, especially for out-of-season red roses, Twin Town florists such as Selken are keeping the cost of flower arrangements at a "moderate line," reflecting a good value for her customers.

Brown considers Buds, Blooms and Antiques to be fortunate, as the price of flowers has compared closely to last year's costs.

"We've got the service and the quality, so I think our customers are happy with us," Brown said.

Although Heather Ann's is also only seeing the typical holiday increases, the shop is offering an incentive to buy early this year.

Store owner Heather Haberman said if customers pre-book their Valentine's Day order they'll be entered in a drawing to receive a gift certificate to a local restaurant. Deadline to register is Friday, Feb. 14.

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