Celebrating love
Dinner, candy, flowers, cards say romance despite pandemic
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Like other special occasions, Valentine's Day will be a bit different during the coronavirus pandemic.
Just more than half -- 52% -- of U.S. adults plan to celebrate Valentine's Day this year, spending a total of $21.8 billion, according to the annual survey released today by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.
"There is no question the pandemic has disrupted many aspects of Americans' daily interactions and activities," said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay in a statement. "However, there remains a special significance around Valentine's Day, and consumers are committed to celebrating friends and loved ones, even if that means having to alter those traditional holiday celebrations."
Those celebrating can still expect the classic candy, cards and flowers, but there appears to be a significant decline in the number of consumers who are planning an evening out. Less than one-quarter -- 24% -- of consumers plan to gift their loved one with an evening out, the lowest in the survey's history. Even still, 41% say they will plan a special dinner or celebration in the comfort of their own homes, according to the survey.
However, local fine dining restaurants are optimistic.
"We are hoping Valentine's Day will be a banner year for us. We aren't usually open on Sunday but we will be celebrating Friday, Saturday and Sunday," said Frank Finelli, owner of Finelli's Italian Villa, 1808 Fourth Ave. "People should make reservations early; we can't do what we normally do. You need a reservation due to the limited seating. People are tired of sitting at home."
Reservations suggested
As usual, the Allegro Restaurant, 3926 Broad Ave., will not be open on Sunday.
"We will be open Friday and Saturday for Valentine's Day. We will have lots of two tables," owner Dan Taddei said.
"Reservations are needed. That allows us to know how many people will be here. We have four dining rooms and are at 50 percent capacity. We always have a shortened menu; the popular items are on it. They will have a lot of food to choose from."
Flowers are always a popular gift for Valentine's Day.
"Valentine's Day is all about flowers. Typical flowers are roses, carnations and lilies. Roses are it for sure," said Debbie Arnsparger, owner of Creative Expressions Florist, 3977 Sixth Ave.
"The pandemic is putting us to the real test," Arnsparger said. "I watched Thanksgiving to Christmas in awe -- I never expected to do what I did in that span. I was shocked how well I came out on top.
"My expectation is good, I am going full force, looking at things in a very positive manner. I will have so much prepared in ways I have not done before. I anticipate less walk-ins, so I need to have curbside pickup available and more delivery available."
Warner's Florist Gifts Greenhouses, Hollidaysburg, also expects to be busy.
"I expect we will be busier than usual. People are looking for an excuse to cheer themselves up," owner Gary Warner said. "We will be busy Monday through Friday with people sending flowers to the office. Sunday is not good. We will not be open this year on Sunday because of the shortage of employees. They will need the day off."
Andrea Hammel, owner of Peterman's Flower Shop, 608 N. Fourth Ave., is also optimistic.
"People are buying local. We will be fine and do as good or better than last year. More people are getting on our website; a lot of people are ordering online. That was very big in 2020. People couldn't go out and were more interested in sending flowers if they couldn't be there in person," Hammel said. "Red roses are most popular, for sure. They are always the best, they are classic."
Jewelers optimistic
Jewelry is also popular for Valentine's Day.
"Our industry is one of those that has benefited. Not everyone lost their job. People are spending money, it is out there," said Mike Dorman, owner of Dorman's Jewelry, 712 Pleasant Valley Blvd. "We had a real good year. Christmas was fantastic and we don't expect anything less for Valentine's Day.
"Hearts are always big. Diamond earrings are a big seller, no matter what season, and engagement rings -- it is a special time for them. We sold more in the third and fourth quarters last year than we usually do."
The pandemic has a huge impact on Beerbower Jewelers, Hollidaysburg, but President Don Beerbower is optimistic about Valentine's Day sales.
"The fact some people have been getting the vaccine, it may start to get a little better. People are beginning to get out more. They may have stimulus money to spend. There may be people who want to get outside and get something nice for somebody. I am somewhat optimistic," Beerbower said.
Engagements will drive business for Kranich's Jewelers, which has stores in Altoona, Johnstown and State College.
"Our sales will be driven by engagement rings. Sunday Valentine's Day will be especially good, giving everyone the opportunity to shop on Saturday," President Michael Kranich Jr. said.
Don't forget the chocolates
And, of course, candy is very popular for the holiday.
"I am not expecting a negative impact on business; I believe it will be a good year," said Jerry Moore, owner of Dutch Hill Chocolates,1624 First Ave. "The restaurants are at minimum capacity, so their hands are really tied. That will make it more difficult for people to go out and dine. If they want to do something fun, it may be a good year for candy." Dutch Hill Chocolates features chocolate covered strawberries.
Valentine's Day is typically one of the busiest holidays of the year for Bedford Candies, which has stores in the Pleasant Valley Shopping Center and in Bedford.
"We are hopeful that sales won't be affected by the pandemic," co-owner Adam Wiley said. "We now have a way for customers to order their chocolate covered fruit through our website. This should help cut down on lines and help speed up the customers' time in our store since it can be pre-paid for and just picked up at any desired time and date at either of our locations. Customers can also order online and have all of their favorites shipped to them if they prefer to not go out."
Peanut butter meltaways are always at the top of the list for customers at Tyrone-based Gardners Candies.
"Foot traffic has been slow. Some people are not comfortable coming into a store; it is having an impact," President Joe DeStadio said. "We have offered curbside pickup since the pandemic started.
"For us, it is a couple day increase. We usually see an increase during the week. We are ready. You can call in your orders, we will shop for you.
"We have loyal customers who like our products. We are open and ready for them to visit," DeStadio said.
Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.