Can't Buy Me Love

Hattiesburg--

February 13, 2020

How much money can buy you a valentine this February 14th? University Florist owners Judy and Jim Strickland have the answer to this and the secrets to love. This couple has been selling love to the Pine Belt since 2009 when they bought the business.

University Florist earns 20% of their yearly profits during the Valentine's rush. To help keep up with the demand, extra staff members are brought in to make the holiday run smoothly. University Florist normally has one delivery driver on call, but on Friday there will be seven drivers to help with the overflow of orders.

Judy says the couple used to celebrate Valentine's Day with flowers and gifts to one another and for their children. Now, they celebrate the holiday working as a family through a busy season of hard work, glad to give their customers an experience that will make them smile.

Judy says that Valentine's is special to their family, and that loving someone means to show "dedication, honesty and respect."

But for Jim Valentine's Day means "money."

Flower shop employees around the U.S. can agree. According to National Retail Federation, consumers plan on spending about $200 on Valentine's Day. Total U.S. spending on Valentine's Day products is estimated to be $27.4 billion which is a 32% increase in sales from 2019. One of the reasons Valentine's Day sales keep increasing is that the holiday isn't just celebrated between significant others anymore. People are buying gifts for their parents, siblings, children, coworkers, and pets.

University Florist is definitely contributing to the spending this year. Their bouquet of a dozen red roses is $99.95. The shop is also selling other types of flower arrangements, teddy bears, candy, and door decorations.

The store is even holding a competition for a free bouquet of roses worth $60. To enter visit their facebook page and guess how many hearts are in their bowl. The closest guess wins the bouquet.

For more information on U.S. Valentine's Day spending, visit

https://nrf.com/insights/holiday-and-seasonal-trends/valentines-day.