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Hernando Today

Florists, Candy Shops Doing Fine

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By TONY HOLT

Hernando Today

Published: February 13, 2009

BROOKSVILLE - The floral industry survived the Great Depression.

It did so because people tend to be gushier and more romantic during difficult times, said Trish Bechtelheimer, owner of Westover's Flowers and Gifts.

Valentine's Day this year is no different than in years past, at least not as far as she can tell.

"I bought this shop in 1981, so I've already lived through a recession," she said. "People are more sentimental during these difficult times ... The messages are much sweeter."

People's taste buds get sweeter this time of year, too.

Grandma's Candy Kitchen has had a slower-than-average winter, but manager Diana Tormey was dipping, swirling and decorating hundreds of chocolate-coated strawberries Thursday.

She expects high volumes of customers Friday and Saturday. It is the only time of year when she sells chocolate strawberries out of the store.

Ordinarily, they are pre-ordered. She prefers to sell them on demand because strawberries have a short shelf life.

"A lot more people are buying candy," said Tormey. "They want to get a $30 box of chocolates rather than that $300 watch ... We're up a little bit this year."
Chocolate roses also are a big draw each year for Valentine's Day. The store is offering a dozen for $24.99 and they come in various colors - including red, white and yellow.

The strawberries can be covered with milk, dark or white chocolate. A swirl of white and dark also is offered.

"We go through a flat every couple of hours," Tormey said.

A flat is the equivalent of about six pints. She predicted she would go through 16 pints of strawberries both today and Saturday.

Large retail chains - like Target - offer a variety of Valentine's Day items and strategically stock them near the entrance in plain view for the customer. Grocery stores typically do the same for candies and flowers.

Chain stores welcome the short spurt of business year after year. It comes soon after the post-holiday swoon. That swoon has been worse this year than normal, based on national retail figures.

"We have a lot of $1 items at the front of our store, from Valentine's Day socks for the kids to magnetic list pads," said Target spokeswoman Jana O'Leary. "There's historically more high traffic in our stores this time of year."

Tony Ronga at Brooksville Florist has noticed high volume sales this week, but fewer customers using their credit cards.

"A lot more are using debit over credit," he said. "People are watching what they're putting on their credit cards. I can't say I blame them."

An employee at another local florist hung up the phone Thursday when contacted by Hernando Today. She said she was too busy to be interviewed.

Ronga expected it to be worse today.

"(On Friday) people will be getting their paychecks," he joked. "It's going to get crazy."

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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