NORMAN — Heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, red roses, teddy bears and jewelry. Yes, it’s that time of year again.
Whether you consider it one of the most romantic days of the year or dub it “Single’s Awareness Day,” Valentine’s Day is almost here. And any florist could tell you what a huge economic impact it has for their business.
“It’s 35 percent of our business for the year. It’s a huge chunk of our business,” said Richard Mayeaux, owner of Design 2000 Flowers and Gifts in Norman. “And it all crashes at one time, it all happens at the last minute.”
Mayeaux said last year the demand was so high they had to unplug their phone two days prior to the holiday because they couldn’t take on any more orders.
“We suggest that people call early because we are on a first-come, first-served basis,” he said.
This year could prove to be even busier. Predictions for the number of roses exchanged in the U.S. for the special occasion is up 15 percent from last year, he said.
“They’re predicting 238 million roses this year,” Mayeaux said.
With the Internet and 24-hour flying refrigerators, that number isn’t something hard to believe.
“We’re getting flowers from all over the world,” he said. “We’re especially looking forward to the flowers that are grown locally, here in Oklahoma, from Bear Creek Farms out of Stillwater.”
At Mayeaux’s shop alone, they are looking at bringing in a little more than 3,000 roses this year. In addition to that, more than 75 percent of the flowers being sold this year at Design 2000 are VeriFlora certified.
“Which means they are grown under green conditions and under green working conditions for the employees,” he said. “We try to support a greener floral industry as a whole.”
This year Mayeaux said he has seen an increased desire for candy and stuffed animals, which his shop is prepared for. They also have “gorgeous blooming plants” that will be available including tulips, lilies and azaleas.
Another change you might see this year is the addition of a special delivery option. The new option allows customers to choose to have their arrangement delivered at a specific time, for an added cost.
“I think we have all our bases covered for this year,” he said. “We’re looking forward to a really terrific holiday.”
Mayeaux said they are already in panic mode with flowers and vases arriving over a week before the big day. They will even be having a designer flying in to help for the holiday.
“It’s a lot of preparation, you have to be really prepared because it all has to just click at one time. Boom. Everybody wants it now so you have to be ready to give it to them,” he said.
During the holiday, the flower shop does deliver outside of Norman city limits. For more information visit http://www.design2000online.com/ or call the shop at 405-321-6736.
Jessica Bruha
366-3540
jbruha@normantranscript.com
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