Sunday Valentine's Day pinches late shoppers

BENTON — Those wanting to purchase Valentine's gifts for their special someone — especially roses or flowers — are advised to start shopping as soon as possible.
With Valentine's Day being on Sunday this year, two local flower shops say they will have limited, if any, deliveries that day. And the rose supply may dwindling by Saturday's end.
"We're closed on Sunday so that takes care of deliveries. You need to get (flowers) ordered Friday or Saturday. We will be delivering all day those days. Now is the time to call or come in," said David Webster of Flowers by Dave on North Main Street. "We're going to be real tight by the time we get done with roses Friday. We have plenty right now but it's going to be tight."
And even with roses in short supply, Webster said there are plenty of flower and plant alternatives for shoppers.
"We'll have flowers of some kind. We're getting more things in too."
Prices have not increased since last year, according to Webster.
A dozen long-stem roses will cost $72.95; the shorter stem $59.95. Mixed roses are $49.95; and you can get wrapped roses for $34.95 (cash and carry only).
Webster said roses remain one of the most popular Valentine's gifts.
"Most men don't know any flower but a rose, but then they come in and see a mixed bouquet and they say, 'Oh, that's nice,' and sometimes a mixed bouquet will perceive that you're getting more flowers, which you are, than if you get all roses. You don't ever know. There will always be people coming in at the last minute and we'll always have a cooler of something."
In addition to fresh flowers, The Weeping Willow at 204 E. Main St. offers several gift alternatives, including stuffed animals, balloons, chocolates and hand-dipped strawberries.
The Weeping Willow will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, with in-town deliveries only, according to co-owners Derrick and Debbie McGuire.
"We'll have all kind of fresh florals available, candies, specialty chocolates, pastries, cards, balloons and candles," said Derrick McGuire.
McGuire said fresh flowers and the line of Fannie May and Abdaliah chocolates are Valentine's Day gift favorites.
Flower specials range from about $40 to $70, depending on the arrangement and availability.
McGuire estimated the business makes about 150 to 200 deliveries for Valentine's Day.
Webster said he will have four trucks delivering products through Saturday.