The bright petals of flowers and the sweet smells of fresh-baked desserts — just two common Valentine’s Day gifts that local businesses in Elon and Burlington are ready to serve up.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, both Roxie’s Florist in Burlington and Cakes, etc. by Cindy in Elon are preparing for an increase in orders and purchases. Roxie’s Florist is already taking orders for students who are looking to purchase bouquets, and Cakes, etc. by Cindy will begin putting out Valentine’s treats and selling treat boxes this week.
Owner of Roxie’s Florist, Brandy Faircloth, said the business is already accepting orders for Valentine’s Day.
Roxie’s Florist has created many bouquets for Elon students before and has worked with Elon University for deliveries.
“We get a lot during Valentine’s Day, we end up taking a whole van just to the Moseley Center,” Faircloth said.
Mixed bouquets are the most popular offering at Roxie’s allowing customers a variety of flower types and colors. While roses are popular, they are one of many types of popular flowers, Faircloth said. Sunflowers, spray roses, alstroemeria and lilies are among the popular flowers, Faircloth said.
For students interested in ordering flowers, Faircloth suggests ordering from Roxie’s Florist’s website at least a week in advance. Also, Faircloth says students should go in with a price point in mind, with bouquet deliveries starting at $45.
“Some people don’t realize how expensive it is sometimes, everything has gone up,” Faircloth said.
While the prices may be more than a bouquet of flowers from the grocery store, Faircloth said it is worth it.
“They’re going to last twice as long and they’re going to look so much better,” Faircloth said.
If shopping for someone with a sweet tooth, another option is local business Cakes, etc. by Cindy, located in the Acorn Inn and across from the Elon University Park Place student housing.
Owner Cindy Pettiford said the shop will begin serving holiday-specific treats this week, including bringing back customers the chance to pick and choose treats to create Valentine’s Day treat boxes.
“‘I’ll offer special things like dip strawberries and dip cookies and pretzels and just different kinds of Valentine’s treats that you can get for somebody,” Pettiford said.
Last year was Pettiford’s first Valentine’s Day in a brick-and-mortar location, and she said she found her favorite holiday-specific treat to be the favorite of the customers as well.
“Custom cookies — that was the most popular thing last year, like the Valentine’s decorated cookies,” Pettiford said.
Ordering ahead of time is not necessary at Cakes, etc. by Cindy and coming into the store is encouraged.
“I normally always have stuff readily available,” Pettiford said.
Pettiford prioritizes keeping prices on all of her treats fair for her customers.
“Nothing expensive, but it is custom, and it is homemade. It makes it more personal.”
Customers can order online at roxiesflorist.com or at 336-226- 0215, and baked goods can be purchased from the Cakes, etc. by Cindy store at 301 W Haggard Ave, Elon, NC 27244.