Contrary to what naysayers may purport romance is still alive and well in Whistler.
"Everybody has someone they love," says floral designer Helen Mussio of Mountain Blooms. The Function Junction floral shop is gearing up for its busiest day of the year with delivery trucks unloading 5,000 long stem roses this week in preparation for Valentine’s Day.
"Romance never goes out of style," Mussio says.
A dozen red roses, that will set you back almost $70, is still number one with Mountain Blooms and Senka Florist in Nesters.
"It is still the most requested product," says Senka’s Lori Pearce. "A dozen red roses nicely wrapped in a red bow – it’s iconic for a reason."
Pearce has seen changes over the past few years in what to buy and who to buy for.
"Women will buy for single friends. They’ll go out as a group or buy themselves flowers," she says. "They’ll also buy flowers for men – usually something a little more stylized with interesting greenery or tropicals. no pale colours or anything frilly.
"Men do run in and ask ‘It’s Valentine’s Day, what do I do?’" she said.
Pearce says she recommends thinking outside the dozen red roses box and suggests a mixed bouquet with one red rose added. "So you get the symbolism and it’s a more value-conscious decision."
Orchid plants, not just the flowers, are popular. "People think orchids are difficult, but they’re not. You may get a week and a little bit from roses but plants will last for months."
And if the person you love isn’t a fan of flowers there is always chocolate. Leslee Wake, manager of Rogers’ Chocolates on Main Street brings in 1,000 strawberries to dip in chocolate. The labour-intensive task requires her calling up extra staff, including her boss from Victoria. Strawberries, at $24.99/dozen, have to be washed, dried individually, chilled, dipped and skewered.
Wake, who has managed the shop for 10 years, says chocolate trends come and go. "It’s like coffee or balsamic vinegar," she said. This year dark chocolate is in, supposedly for its antioxidant and cancer-prevention properties. Wake says she sometimes gets unusual requests, like chocolate body paint, but Rogers’ doesn’t have it on their shelves.
A different kind of candy, Sandy, of Candy Shoppe Escorts says Valentine’s Day is a busy day for her also. "Businessmen who are away from everybody, they like a little treat for themselves too."
