Alabama Florist Still Busy on Valentine's Day

No matter if you are a buyer of roses, chocolate or a little bit of both, Valentine's Day is definitely a major shopping day for most Americans. But how does this romantic holiday affect business, especially those that provide those special gifts?

Ann Goodwell is a local florist in Florence, Alabama. Her store, Expressions by Ann, is a small yet well-known shop. I had the privilege to sit down with Ann at her store and ask her about Valentine's Day and how her business is effected.

iMotherhood: Ann, first off - Thank you so much for agreeing to take time out of your busy schedule to answer a few questions for me. I can tell by looking around that you are very busy for the upcoming holiday.

Ann Goodwell: (laughs) Yes, we are very busy right now. This is one of our busiest holidays. A lot of roses and balloons are going out.

iMotherhood: So it would be safe to assume that business is going great, right?

Ann Goodwell: Oh yeah, we have sold more this past week than we did for the entire month of January. Business is great!

iMotherhood: If there was anything that you could have done to increase your profits this year, what would it have been?

Ann Goodwell: I would have probably advertised more. You can never advertise enough. I did have ads running in the local papers and did a radio spot, but I would have really loved getting out and going into neighborhoods and leaving fliers. You know, reaching potential customers directly.

iMotherhood: Are you offering any specials for Valentine's Day and if so, do they cut into your profit? Is the benefit worth losing profit?

Ann Goodwell: Yes, we have a few specials. Our main one is for a dozen roses. And yes, it does cut into our profit but it also brings in more customers. You have to be flexible because right now, every business is competing for customers. If you want success during this holiday or anytime else, you must be able to give a little. The benefits are worth it because on average, we gain around 50 new customers each Valentine's Day.

iMotherhood: As it is very obvious that our economy is in trouble right now, do you feel that it has affected your business any?

Ann Goodwell: Yes it definitely has. A few years ago, we had people calling in large orders for their sweetheart. One time we had a person call in a $300 order. But those days have passed. Right now, everyone is trying to hold on to whatever extra cash they have. Valentine's Day has became more of a simple holiday, in fact, all holidays has. Like I said, people are now becoming very mindful of what they are spending money on. They just don't go "big" anymore.

iMotherhood: What is your advice for someone that doesn't want to spend a lot of money on a Valentine's Day gift, but still wants to impress their girlfriend?

Ann Goodwell: Go simple. What girl doesn't like a single rose? I don't know of any. It doesn't matter what the gift is - it is the thought that counts.

iMotherhood: Thank you for taking some time out to talk to me.

Ann Goodwell: Your very welcome - I enjoyed it.

It is clear that the economy has a great affect on business, even during Valentine's Day. People are holding on to whatever extra cash they have. Yet, business still continues and still does better than an average day. The reason? There is still men (and women, too) that will do anything and pay anything for that perfect Valentine's Day gift.

Source: Interview with Ann Goodwell / Conducted by iMotherhood for Associated Content