CAMP HILL, Pa. — Valentine's Day is a day of love for many, but for florists, Feb. 14 is like the Super Bowl.
“We bring in additional people, we bring in additional drivers. Today is game day," said Mark Vickrey, the owner of Bloom by Vickrey in Camp Hill.
Volunteers and employees at the Camp Hill florist said they have been working nonstop to fill out hundreds of Valentine’s Day flower arrangements.
“I got here by around 8:30 and it’s been steady," said Sandy Wise, a retired florist who volunteers with Bloom by Vickrey. “They come and they go because they’re delivered as soon as they’re wrapped and put in the coolers."
As retailers increase their supply for the busy holiday, they are left paying a bigger bill due to ongoing inflation. Vickrey said he paid 300% more this year for his supply of Valentine’s Day flowers.
“It goes back to people who pick the roses, grow the roses, the transportation," said Vickrey. "There is always Valentine’s Day inflation, but this year is a little tighter.”
Vickrey said his shop has worked to keep prices as reasonable as possible so that people can bring flowers to that special someone.
“We do want everyone to enjoy Valentine’s flowers and have their Valentine’s flowers," said Vickrey.
The National Retail Federation expects Americans to spend $25.8 billion this Valentine's Day. Of that. $14.2 billion is being spent on a significant other.