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Businesses busy getting ready for Valentines

By CHRIS ROBINETTE
Traveler Correspondent

Businesses in Ark City bring all kinds of different products and services to the table on Valentine's Day. From roses to food, the savvy shopper can find any gift.

Brown's traditionally sells homemade fudge, but gourmet coffee is also available. Fudge tends to sell the most, according to Brown's owner Troy Ebert.

The sales don't usually come in until Valentine's Day itself; however, Ebert said that pre-Valentine's Day sales have been normal. He's optimistic about Valentine's Day, "It will probably pick up quite a bit," he said.

"I assume they're going to be about average to normal."

Roses are another very popular gift in Ark City. Frazee Flower Farm and McCool's both offer flowers and mixed bouquets. The most popular sellers are roses and mixed bouquets, according to co-owner of McCool's Sherry Baxter.

Sales have dropped some, according to owner David Frazee of Frazee Flower Farm. He cites lower prices at places like Dillon's and Wal-Mart, but he said that quality matters, too. According to Frazee his flowers last around seven to ten days after Valentine's Day.

People looking for something out of the ordinary have options too.

Grave's offers a wide variety of books, and other small collectibles that serve as gifts. One of the most unique items is a balloon that sings, which can be found at McCool's.

Valentine's Day is traditionally associated with couples, but families have started to look at Valentine's Day as a way to express their love for one another. Lenora Sparks, the gift buyer at Grave's, said she sees many cards going out for grandchildren, daughters and sons.

"I've got a lot of parents buying for their kids," says Baxter, adding that the parents will usually send the flowers to their schools.