Businesses kept busy ahead of Valentine’s Day

Bunbury businesses have once again been worked off their feet in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day today.

Bunbury Flower Place owner Treena Jarvis said she started placing orders for supplies as early as July.

“Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Thursday this year the pick-up has been a little slower but we’ve definitely had the mad rush this week,” she said.

“I was resigned to getting pretty much no sleep from Tuesday.

“There have been a lot of late nights and early mornings.”

She said that while she tried to limit extra outlay there would be eight additional workers put on to make deliveries and create bouquets .

A supply order of 80-dozen red roses arrived at the store on Tuesday in addition to a variety of other colours.

“It’s not just roses — this year we found a lot of people were going for mixed flower arrangements,” she said.

“Roses don’t last as long in the hot weather so the mixed flowers were a popular option as well as teddies and artificial arrangements.”

The store also set up a pop-up shop in the Bunbury Forum yesterday and today.

“We just want people to continue supporting local businesses,” Ms Jarvis said.

Artisan Jewellery owner Phil Davidson said he also noticed a change in demand leading up to February 14.

The store had been tasked with creating more than 15 custom-made pieces for Valentine’s Day.

“We do a lot of that throughout the year without it being needed for a specific date,” he said.

“There are also a lot of small gifts that go into bundles with flowers and chocolates.

“Simple earrings, pendants, off-the-shelf rings, watches and pearls are all very popular for Valentine’s Day — it’s across the board, depending on taste.”