How Has the Economy Affected Valentine's Day Business in Michigan?

Valentine's Day only comes once a year, and in some businesses that is the biggest day of the year. What businesses are those? There is no better day of the year for chocolatiers, florists, restaurants, lingerie shops and card shops. How has the economy affected the love business? Has there been a decline in sales because of the slow economy? I decided to find out. I interviewed a local florists and this is what she told me.

Indian River, Michigan, Is a small town in northern lower Michigan. The population of Indian River is 3,091. That figure multiplies during ski season and in the summer, as it is in the heart of Michigan's Gold Coast, surrounded by Michigan's many inland lakes and resorts. Nonetheless, just like every other business, they plan their sales around holidays. And in the flower business, love is the biggest season for them.

Cottage Rose Floral & Gifts is a local Indian River, Michigan florist that carries a lovely variety of fresh cut flowers, gorgeous live plants and thoughtful gift ideas for birthdays, new babies, holidays, get well wishes, anniversaries, I Love You(s), and just because I was thinking of you(s). A combination Flower Shop and Gift Shop, they have many treasures that will delight every recipient. Cottage Rose Floral & Gifts carries a full line of Custom Gift Baskets, Fruit & Gourmet Baskets that can be put together as you wish. They also carry Home Décor items, a nice line of scented candles for special moments, and a beautiful line of Silk/Artificial Flowers. They also carry many baby gift items.

Today I interviewed Gail Rhine, owner and operator of Cottage Rose Floral & Gifts. Ms. Rhine purchased this business, which has been in operation for several years. This will be her second Valentine's Day in the flower business, but it sounds like she is doing all of the right things this Valentine's Day.

When I asked if she noticed any slow down in foot traffic, she tells me "Absolutely not, it is quite the opposite actually. Now that people realize we are under new ownership, and have added new items and services to the shop, things have really taken off for us." When asked how the economy was affecting her business, she was a little more somber, and did report that the months leading toward Christmas were a little slower for her, indicating that people were saving their money for the holiday gift giving. Or perhaps, as things indicate now, they were saving up for Valentine's Day! Ms. Rhine's shop carries a large variety of items perfect for Valentine's Day gift giving.

To build a successful Valentine's Day for Cottage Rose Floral & Gifts, she has included a line of Candy & Chocolates, along with Greeting Cards. She will be happy to include and deliver the items of your choice long with your flowers. Or you can send a Teddy Bear along to give your love. Ms. Rhine tells me that the Teddy Bears and the chocolates have really boosted her Valentine's Day sales, and almost doubled her item sale count.

When asked if there was anything else she would do different for next year's Valentine's Day sales event, Ms. Rhine only had one thing to add. More candles. "I can not keep the candles on the shelf. Candles and flowers go together perfect. If I had known how popular candles were going to be for Valentine's Day I would have really stocked up on them." Ms. Rhine went on to tell me that flowers, chocolates and candles are her three top sales items. It looks like that is what it always has been and always will be.

Cottage Rose Floral & Gifts
3412 S Straits Hwy
INDIAN RIVER, MI 49749
(231)-238-4333