Charles City florists ready to help out last-minute Valentine’s shoppers

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

It’s Valentine’s Day and Charles City florists are going all out to make sure everyone is able to satisfy their sweetheart with a holiday bouquet.

“We’re going full bore,” said Christopher Anthony, floral manager at Otto’s Oasis.

With a stock of roses, carnations, lilies, daisies and more, there are plenty of options to pick from for couples looking for a romantic gift.

Anthony says that this year’s most popular arrangements seem to be a classic mix of red and white flowers. Roses are always a big seller, but the red and white combo seems to be a hit regardless of species.

Trying something new this year, Otto’s is offering flower bouquets with a musical theme with “Love Song” specials named after romantic hits from classic and contemporary artists ranging from Elvis to Ed Sheeran.

“It makes it a little more interesting,” said Anthony.

Love isn’t the only thing in the air this week though. While the snowfall over the week may make it look more like Christmas than Valentine’s Day, Anthony says that the cold weather hasn’t had much impact on the holiday rush thanks to the multitude of ways to order between phones and internet.

“In this day and age, we have so many resources for getting and order to us,” said Anthony.

The phones have also been ringing off the hook at Hy-Vee Floral, which is also flush with flowers for the holiday.

“We’ve been pretty busy,” sand floral clerk Omega Dipple. “We really picked up on Tuesday.”

Hy-Vee also offers a wide selection of options for Valentine’s Day, from multi-colored arrangements to classic bouquets.

“The dozen roses are doing really well,” said Dipple.

Hy-Vee’s produce department is even getting in on the holiday spirit, making up special chocolate covered strawberries as a Valentine’s treat.

While selections are going fast, each store assures that even the procrastinators out there will be able to pick something up for their sweetie.

“We’ll be here last-minute for anybody who needs anything,” said Anthony.