Local businesses ‘ready to go’ for Valentine’s Day last minute shoppers

Traditionally Valentine's Day is marked by last minute shoppers heading out to get a perfect gift for their special someone. 

As cupid's arrow flies, some of the most popular gifts this year include the classics of flowers and chocolate. 

Speaking with CityNews 570, Derek Barr owner of Chocolate Barr's Candies in Stratford said he's already received more than 1,000 orders in advance of the special occasion but, his business is more than ready for anyone looking to buy a sweet sign of love last minute. 

“Our biggest seller is the fresh dipped strawberries and we do around 1,500 strawberries over three days. We also have a lot of last minute sales and we're glad we're around to help [those shoppers] out.” 

Barr warned the stores' dipped strawberries are a hot ticket item and are only available by ordering by phone or online.

However, if you enter the store and are unsure of what to get your Valentine this year, Barr said his recommendation is to buy what you personally, would love. 

“When I'm asked in the store what you should get for other people I usually go with the concept of buy what you like. Worst case scenario is you get yourself a box of chocolates.” 

Flowers are also a traditional gift on Valentine's Day and Linda Nelson owner of Cameron's Flower Shop in Kitchener tells CityNews 570 that for her store that tradition reigns true. 

“We have about 5,000 roses in [the store]” 

Nelson said, the classic red rose is the most commonly bought item but, her store also provides other alternatives as well.

“We have a lot of tulip bouquets and mixed bouquets that don't have to have roses in them.” 

She said, shoppers are also able to put a sweet add-on to their bouquets by choosing to add chocolates or a teddy bear.