Local businesses prepare for the Valentine’s Day rush

Local businesses prepare for the Valentine’s Day rush

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(ABC 6 News) – From flowers to a nice dinner, according to The National Retail Federation, it’s estimated people will spend an average of $186 this Valentine’s Day.

While you make your plans, businesses are preparing for the holiday rush and making sure there’s enough to go around.

At Flowers by Jerry in Rochester, they are cranking out arrangements one after another.

Whether you’ve already ordered, or you’re playing the ‘last-minute card,’ they’re ready for you, making sure that everyone who wants flowers this Valentine’s Day gets them.

“It takes weeks to prepare for Valentine’s Day. We order the flowers months in advance. We prepare all the vases weeks leading up to the holiday. Then once the flowers officially arrive, it’s go time,” said Lydia O’Connor, the marketing and events manager at Flowers by Jerry.

If you’re shopping last minute, you can’t be too picky. Selection is limited.

“We prepare very far in advance to make sure we don’t run out. So we promise if a customer comes in and they’re the last one in the store on Valentine’s Day, we will have an amazing arrangement for them.”

As bouquets are prepared, The Canadian Honker prepares for its Valentine’s special: including options like seafood linguini, calamari and lobster, and don’t forget dessert!

(Credit: Facebook – Canadian Honker)

“Bunny’s coconut cake which we’re known for,” server Katie Tillotson reminds audiences.

Christmas and Thanksgiving are the restaurant’s busiest holidays. But that doesn’t mean people don’t come in to celebrate their loved ones.

“We’re like a well-oiled machine around here. We’ve been doing this for 30 years. We know how to handle these types of situations. We work together,” added Tillotson.

Working together to bring people together.

“We always aim to please and make sure everyone leaves happier than before they came in.”

If you’re planning on going out to dinner, don’t forget to make your reservations. But, it might be too late as several Rochester restaurants have been booked for weeks.