Influence of the flower business ahead of Valentine’s Day

SALINAS, CA (KION-TV): Valentine’s Day is a Tuesday and many people are buying flowers from the stalls in East Salinas. Some flower sellers said they saw a surge in sales compared to last year.

In front of the Foods Co store on E Alisal St in Salinas, florists work to sell their flowers. Last year, some sellers say their flower sales have dropped.

This year is a different story.

“Compared to last year, the situation has improved a lot,” said Magdalena Bautista, a flower seller on Rue E. Alisal. “There was a demand for flowers.”

Back at her flower shop, Batista said she had a lot of orders for flower arrangements. It will also help her sales.

But for saleswoman Briana Correa, who had to drive from Castroville to sell her flowers. She said she had invested more than $1,000 and hoped to get that money back.

“It’s a very busy place and it’s actually a famous place for many years during this holiday,” Correa said. “That everyone is actually selling and doing it very well.”

The National Retail Association reports that US consumers will spend $25.9 billion on Valentine’s Day this year.

People like Guadalupe Sanchez have been coming to flower stalls to buy flowers for years.

“Basically, I came to buy flowers for my brother’s girlfriend and my mom because today is Valentine’s Day,” Sanchez said. “We just want to give something sweet.”

According to the National Retail Association, flowers are one of the most popular Valentine’s Day gifts.

The vendors plan to stay later than usual tomorrow for Valentine’s Day.