As Valentine’s Day approaches, retailers in St. Joseph, Missouri, are transitioning their offerings to accommodate the holiday. This period is especially significant for the floral industry, often regarded as the “Super Bowl” of flowers, according to Stacey Fisher, owner of Garden Gate Flowers. Fisher noted that florists frequently debate whether Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day is the more lucrative holiday, but for her business, Valentine’s Day reigns supreme.
Fisher explained that preparations for the holiday begin months in advance. Florists like her start planning their flower orders around Halloween and Thanksgiving. The initial step involves deciding on a cohesive aesthetic for the holiday, which influences both the color schemes and the types of flowers ordered. Fisher emphasized the importance of meticulous planning to keep costs manageable and to avoid overcharging customers.
“We try to make things look flawless, and we always try to do all the work behind the scenes so things for the customers look easy and simple because we don’t want people to stress out while buying flowers,”
said Fisher. This attention to detail is critical in ensuring a smooth customer experience.
Retailers Stock Up Early for Valentine’s Day
As local shops in downtown St. Joseph set up Valentine’s Day displays, some retailers, such as Hobby Lobby, have already made decorations available for early shoppers. According to Madelyn Helton, co-manager of Hobby Lobby, the store began showcasing Valentine’s Day items approximately two weeks prior to the holiday.
Helton noted that this year’s customer rush has been slower compared to last year’s, when shoppers were inquiring about Valentine’s merchandise before Christmas. “Corporate sends us our schedule for when we put things out, and then we just implement it,” she explained. The timing of displays is influenced by the sales performance of each item, allowing for efficient use of store space.
Despite the slower pace, Helton assured customers that Valentine’s Day items will remain available for about two weeks after the holiday, though they may be moved to clearance sections. She reminded shoppers that Hobby Lobby operates as a seasonal store, providing ample time for customers to plan their gifts.
“It happened on Christmas, but we literally had people come in on Christmas Eve at 17:30, which was when we were closing to get Christmas stuff for the next day, so Valentine’s Day will be the exact same thing,”
Helton added. Shoppers are encouraged to act quickly, as popular items often sell out swiftly.
Both Fisher and Helton concur that while the seasonal displays may appear straightforward, considerable planning and responsibility go into creating a pleasant shopping environment. Their efforts highlight the intricate behind-the-scenes work necessary to ensure customers enjoy a stress-free experience during this busy retail season.
