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And the choices range from fresh and pricey to modest specials.
Harrison Flower Mart, at 281 Halstead Ave., expects to sell 3,000 roses this week and as many as 8,000 flowers of all varieties through Saturday.
Store owner Joseph Lodovico called Valentine's Day his busiest day of the year, but said the week before Mother's Day -- May 10 this year -- is his busiest sales week because it includes dance recitals, confirmations, communions and other spring celebrations.
Lodovico's store keeps the price of a dozen roses the same year-round -- at $65 a dozen. Competing florists may jack the price up to $75 a dozen, he said, and it's not unusual to see the price for fresh roses soar to $95 a dozen this week. You'll also find Valentine's Day arrangements in the $35 price range.
Oishinbo, at 283 Halstead Ave., best known for its Japanese gourmet food, sells a surprising variety of fresh flowers around Valentine's Day as well. On Wednesday, store owner Hidenori Takada was busy preparing hundreds of roses for sale.
If you are that busy boyfriend -- or girlfriend -- who waits until the last minute, or has several loved ones to surprise on Saturday, A&P in the Harrison Shopping Center sells flowers, heart-shaped balloons and candy-filled vases for $10, as well as bouquets of roses, tulips and other flowers for $10 to $15.
Plus, if you go here, you're right next door to Harrison Bake Shop where there are heart-shaped cookies, heart-shaped cupcakes, cakes and chocolate-dipped strawberries made specifically for Valentine's Day. And with hours from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the 13 and 14, you really have no excuse to at least bring one item home.
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