Longmonters among the 52% of U.S. adults who plan to buy a Valentine’s Day gift this year but haven’t yet done their shopping can take heart; — local retailers have some tips for stress-free buying.
Rachel Hunter, owner of A Florae, 464 Main St., said, "We are boutique florists; every single arrangement is custom-made." That means the earlier the order is placed, the better.
She said the ideal time to call is by a week before. "Calling ahead will give the person calling more control over what they get," she said. "We typically buy flowers on average five to six days before an event, including holidays."
Procrastinators don't despair, the shop will have some wrapped and premade bouquets for last-minute shoppers. A Florae, this year's Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award winner, also has a women's clothing store for other romantic purchases such as jewelry and candles.
"We do try and cater as best as possible to walk-ins, even to the last day,” Hunter said. “We encourage people to come to check out the shop as we have many options for gifts."
For those uncomfortable heading into the store, curbside and contactless delivery also is available. Though it's possible to use those services for any items, most deliveries are plants or flowers.
"We leave the items outside the door and call or text to let you know it's there," Hunter said.
A Florea at 426 Main St. . By Rachel Hunter / Courtesy photoThe jeweler is in the store for repairs or restoration.
"One of the things we've seen is that people are doing a little more of their own redesign, resetting, repairing and restoring instead of buying something new," she said. "A lot of the time that means you're updating something old to bring it into the future, to create an heirloom or treasure."
Snyder Jewelers has some new procedures in place as a response to the COVID pandemic.
"We have a high level of coronavirus awareness and keep everything clean and sterilized after each customer leaves," Crockett said.
Customers also can't simply enter the store as they did pre-COVID.
"The doors are locked. Knock when you get here," she said, "We bring in the number of people to keep appropriate social distancing and require a mask."
For insurance reasons, personnel can't bring out trays of diamonds or any of the other jewelry for viewing, but customers can pick their orders up or bring items in for restoration or repair using the curbside option. Curbside is available by calling the number posted on the door.
Such procedures are indicative of the way the coronavirus pandemic is impacting the way people shop. It also impacts how they plan to celebrate, but not their desire to do so, according to the National Retail Federation.
Nearly three-quarters, 73%, “of consumers celebrating Valentine’s Day this year feel it is important to do so given the current state of the pandemic,” the National Retail Federation stated in a Jan. 28 web post announcing the results of an annual survey conducted in partnership with Prosper Insights & Analytics.
“Those celebrating can still expect the classic candy, cards and flowers, but there is a significant decline in the number of consumers who will plan for an evening out,” the NRF stated in its post.
Less than a quarter of respondents, 24%, of consumers plan to gift their loved one with an evening out, “the lowest in the survey’s history,” but 41% say they will plan a special dinner or celebration in the comfort of their own homes, according to the NRF.
For those who want a romantic dinner in, a number of local restaurants are offering curbside and delivery options. Romantic dinners out likely will require reservations to ensure restaurants can comply with COVID-related capacity restrictions.
For dessert, La Momo Maes Bakery will take orders through Wednesday for Valentine's Day pickup. The bakery has a few specialty items including 8-inch cookie cakes, cakes and frosted cookies.
"We can also customize any other items. For example, we can put pink icing on our cinnamon rolls," owner Michelle Leaming said.
By buying sweets from the bakery, locals also can contribute to a good local cause. Instead of offering gift baskets or gift boxes this year, La Momo Maes has teamed up with the Hover Homes Community to provide free delivery. A portion of the proceeds from delivery orders goes back to the nonprofit senior living organization.
"We're always looking for ways to partner up with nonprofits. It helps us, too," Leaming said. "It's fun and good for everyone."Residents who head to Snyder Jewelers, A Florae, La Momo Maes Bakery or any other local retailer for treats for their sweeties will contribute to holiday spending expected to total $21.8 billion, with average spending expected to be $164.76 — down $32 on average per person from a record $196.31 in 2020 right before the pandemic hit, according to the survey.
