As Valentine’s Day approaches this weekend, florists across the D.C. region are gearing up for a busy period marked by a surge in last-minute orders. With many customers waiting until the last moment to place their requests, shops are feeling the pressure but also embracing the excitement that comes with the holiday of love.
Christine Topacio, owner of Chevy Chase Florist in Chevy Chase, Maryland, shared that her team is prepared for extended hours. “It’s been busy!” she articulated while reflecting on the usual pattern of orders that begin to ramp up immediately after the Super Bowl. This year, she anticipates sending out at least 600 orders, which requires a combination of full-time staff and seasonal employees to handle the demand.
The logistics of delivering flowers also present unique challenges during this busy season. With unpredictable weather conditions, such as ice and snow, ensuring timely deliveries is critical. “Delivering is always a crazy logistics thing,” Topacio explained, highlighting the need for adequate driver availability to ensure that every bouquet arrives on time.
Florists face additional hurdles with rising costs due to tariffs impacting imported flowers from places like Ecuador and Colombia, as well as Holland and Canada. Topacio noted that these costs have compelled her shop to reassess pricing to maintain quality and availability. “We want to make sure that we’re able to pay our bills and make sure that we have enough of the beautiful flowers that people are expecting,” she said.
Despite these challenges, customers continue to flock to florists, often sharing last-minute tales of forgetting to order. Topacio recounted the familiar plea from customers: “Oh my God, I forgot! My wife is going to kill me.” Her shop’s policy is to assist customers as much as possible, even if it means squeezing in an extra bouquet.
Topacio finds motivation in the emotional impact that flowers can have, underscoring the joy and mood enhancement they can bring to both the givers and receivers. As the holiday nears, she encourages everyone looking to send flowers to get their orders in as soon as possible. “The sooner you can get those orders in, the better,” she advised.
While the florists face long hours and logistical hurdles, their commitment to helping people celebrate love remains steadfast, contributing to the joy and connection that Valentine’s Day encompasses.