Valentine's is a sweet day for area businesses

La Crosse Tribune, Feb 13, 2005 by Cahalan, Steve

Valentine's Day is the thirdbusiest holiday season of the year at Finnottes Nut & Chocolate Shop at 535 Main St., and owner Laurie Finn said it isn't just because of guys buying chocolates for their sweetheart.

"Christmas, Easter and Valentine's Day are our busiest seasons," in that order, Finn said.

"It's not solely a mans buying holiday anymore," Finn said. "Women buy a lot for husbands, boyfriends, friends, kids and other family members." Popular items with women buying for guys are boxes of Alligators (made with pecans, caramel and chocolate) and boxes of mixed nuts or cashews, Finn said.

For others, women often buy individual candy such as foilwrapped chocolate hearts, or small boxes or bags of candy, Finn said. She also said children like to receive gummi candy as valentine's gifts.

Men often buy heart-shape boxes of chocolates or specialty assortment boxes, Finn said.

"People have been buying (valentine's candy) for the last week or so," Finn said. "The greatest percentage come in the last three days before the holiday," which is Monday.

"Valentine's Day probably is the busiest day" of the year at Monet Floral and Gifts at 509 Main St., co-owner Patrick Foley said. "But Mother's Day probably is the busiest week" for sales.

Monet probably will add at least 15 people to prepare or deliver flowers, Foley said. "And the walk-in traffic Monday will be nonstop," he said. "On Sunday, we have a special with free delivery for that day, to try to get things out faster," Foley said.

Monet probably will sell about 7,500 roses for Valentine's Day, Foley estimated. The most popular rose colors will be, in order, red, pink and white he said. Other popular items include blooming plants and candy bouquets, he said.

Greeting cards are the biggest-selling valentine gift item at Allen's Hallmark store in Valley View Mall, said Dianne Baker, who owns the business with her husband, Allen. The store also sells a lot of collectible gifts and stuffed animals at this time of year, she said.

I expect this weekend to be our big weekend" for valentine's gifts, Baker said. "Valentine's is one of the most last-minute seasons" for sales. People begin buying about a week before Valentine's Day, she said.

Baker predicted her store's sales of valentine's items will at least equal last year's.