In full bloom

Business is blooming for area florists even with Valentine’s Day falling on Sunday this year.

Shops in Clovis and Portales plan Sunday delivery while others see themselves being out of flowers by that time or done with all orders.

Either way, sales have been high for flower shops in Clovis and Portales.

“I think business has been really good,” said Rose Riley, owner of Katie’s Flowerland in Clovis. “We have not had that (last-minute) tidal wave of people. The business has been spaced out all week.”

Riley said her shop will have trucks delivering and the shop will be open on Sunday for last-minute shoppers.

“Mother’s Day is on a Sunday and that doesn’t hurt business and it seems to be the same way for Valentine’s Day this year,” Riley said.

Amanda’s Floral in Clovis has also seen the steady stream of business all week.

“Business has been terrific,” owner Mary Knowles said. “We have been busy all week and we will see a lot of people until Sunday.”

Knowles said the shop will be open Sunday and they will be making deliveries that day as well.

Linda Bell, who has owned Joe’s Flowers in Portales for 32 years, said she has encouraged customers to buy early and send their flowers before Valentine’s Day to avoid the rush.

“People like to receive their flowers at work or school,” Bell said. “Our business has been good all week and it will be busy this weekend.”

Bell says the shop “probably won’t be open on Sunday.”

While the florists agreed flowers can be a perfect gift on Valentine’s Day, there was no consensus on the type.

“Roses are always good,” Aileen McAllister, Butterfly Floral owner in Portales, said. “They are the classic gift but mixed bouquets are good as well.”

McAllister said her shop will probably be out of flowers by Sunday so they will not be opening.

Knowles canvassed her shop on the perfect Valentine gift.

“The girls say mixed bouquets with chocolates,” Knowles said. “Balloons and stuffed animals are also good ideas.”

Riley had another feels that flowers are a good gift but Valentine’s Day is about much more than that.

“Anything that comes from the heart,” Riley said. “You can’t buy happiness.”

“We are in the business of creating smiles,” Riley said.