ROSES are still the most popular gift to surprise sweethearts on Valentine’s Day.
“They want to be traditional. It’s roses, always roses,” said Andrew Ng, manager of Kim Floral Design.
“Although bookings are coming a bit late, but we are ready. So far, everyone goes for red.
“Red roses mean love, and men aren’t taking any chances,” said Ng.
“it’s the same thing every year. In all the years, it’s always traditional,” he added.
This year, Kim Floiral Design which is located at Centre Point, Kota Kinabalu has ordered about 2,000 roses from Holland, India and China.
There are supplies from Kundasang and Ranau, but the quality is not consistent. So, most of florists in Kota Kinabalu are importing.
When Valentine’s Day is on a weekday, that is the day everyone wants their flowers delivered. But since Valentine’s Day is Sunday this year, there will be deliveries on multiple days.
“A lot of men want the flowers to go where their wives work. It’s very impressive,” commented Ng.
Asked why are flowers a Valentine’s Day tradition, “Flowers bring a smile to your face,” he answered.
“They’re something good and positive in this day and time to receive flowers is so cheery and happy”.
He noted, “Flowers, over the years, have been used to say I love you. Many times, they can convey feelings that you cannot put into words”.
As for Margaret Florist, they are ready for the busy day.
Vin, one of the staff, said regardless of slight increase on price, there are customers who don’t let anything affect their buying decision.
She said, “Some people buy a single flower and there are people who come in and buy a dozen”.
“The currency exchange has affected our pricing but not that much. A dozen of roses are still between RM180 to RM200,” she added.
According to her, people generally spend anywhere between RM50 and RM150 but they get some orders for as many as three dozen roses.
“It’s Valentine’s Day. They go all out. If someone comes to my door with three dozen roses, I’d be impressed,” Vin said.
Sometimes customers want a little more than flowers and florists are happy to oblige.
She noted, “They like the whole package: roses, teddy bears and candy that says ‘I love you’ and so on.
Margaret Florist is also getting their supplies from China and India.