Valentine’s Day is like the super bowl for local flower shops, and they’re pulling in their whole team. At Chappell’s Florist, owner Kristin Eaton said her team ramps up staffing and preparation weeks — and even months — in advance of the holiday.“You have triple the amount of employees on,” Eaton said. “Instead of two drivers every day you have 10 drivers out. Instead of five people working in the store you have 15.”Eaton began working at the shop as a florist in 1992 and now owns the business. She said years of experience have taught her that preparation is essential.“Preparing for Valentine’s Day, you start thinking about ordering flowers in October,” she said.Despite changing trends in the floral industry, Eaton said one bloom continues to dominate holiday sales.“Yes, roses are still your number one choice,” she said.Inflation and tariffs have driven up costs for florists, which may result in slightly higher prices for customers this year. Still, employees said the focus remains on creating meaningful arrangements.Kayla Irick, a florist at the shop, said she enjoys bringing customers’ visions to life.“Bringing someone’s ideal arrangement to life and making it more than what they thought it would be,” Irick said.She added that the most rewarding part of the job is seeing customers leave satisfied.“My favorite part is seeing people come in and leave happy,” she said.With sales expected to surge as Valentine’s Day approaches, Eaton encourages customers to get their orders in with a message behind ever arrangement. “It’s joy, happiness, something to brighten their day — to show your appreciation for them and your love for them,” she said.
Valentine’s Day is like the super bowl for local flower shops, and they’re pulling in their whole team.
At Chappell’s Florist, owner Kristin Eaton said her team ramps up staffing and preparation weeks — and even months — in advance of the holiday.
“You have triple the amount of employees on,” Eaton said. “Instead of two drivers every day you have 10 drivers out. Instead of five people working in the store you have 15.”
Eaton began working at the shop as a florist in 1992 and now owns the business. She said years of experience have taught her that preparation is essential.
“Preparing for Valentine’s Day, you start thinking about ordering flowers in October,” she said.
Despite changing trends in the floral industry, Eaton said one bloom continues to dominate holiday sales.
“Yes, roses are still your number one choice,” she said.
Inflation and tariffs have driven up costs for florists, which may result in slightly higher prices for customers this year. Still, employees said the focus remains on creating meaningful arrangements.
Kayla Irick, a florist at the shop, said she enjoys bringing customers’ visions to life.
“Bringing someone’s ideal arrangement to life and making it more than what they thought it would be,” Irick said.
She added that the most rewarding part of the job is seeing customers leave satisfied.
“My favorite part is seeing people come in and leave happy,” she said.
With sales expected to surge as Valentine’s Day approaches, Eaton encourages customers to get their orders in with a message behind ever arrangement.
“It’s joy, happiness, something to brighten their day — to show your appreciation for them and your love for them,” she said.