Valentine’s Day is this Sunday, Feb. 14. But don’t panic — local flower shops have been providing local romantics with the right arrangement for their valentines. The Malibu Times checked in with two shops — Cosentino’s and Sea Lily — to see what Valentine’s Day means for their stores.
JOHN COSENTINO, COSENTINO’S
How many years has Cosentino’s been open in Malibu?
Cosentino’s opened in Malibu in September of 1973, but got its start on the upper east side of Manhattan in the mid-1950s.
When do you begin planning your orders for Valentine’s Day?
Prepping starts the first week in February.
How much does your purchase order increase at this time?
Purchase orders don’t typically increase at this time, but because rose growers charge more, rose prices are always at a premium for Valentine’s Day, but for the discerning and original client, we are so much more than roses.
What is the most purchased flower for Valentine’s Day?
Of course roses are always in demand and we’re sure to have at least 15 different colors and styles, the classiest being roses arranged pavé-style (short, full and compact).
Have you seen any trends come and go for Valentine’s Day in Malibu?
We’ve seen a general trend away from red roses (of course, we’ll stock them). Customers are becoming more creative, original. Orchid sales are rightfully gaining in momentum and our orchid creations are amazing.
Is Valentine’s Day the busiest day of the year? If not, which holiday would top Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day is the busiest week (please don’t wait until the last minute) in the floral industry, second only to Mother’s Day.
What’s the most romantic story you can remember happening during Valentine’s Day?
Most romantic and over-the-top order was a gentleman who leased a beach house for his sweetheart and then had us fill the home with roses — amazing!
What is unique about Cosentino’s?
At Cosentino’s, our approach is an individual one. We take the time to cater to our clients’ discerning tastes. We strive to accentuate creativity and make a great effort to keep our prices affordable so that all can partake in enjoying the beauty that plants and flowers provide. Our customers are our friends, and we want the friendship to last for a lifetime.
CAYTLYN MCCLOSKEY, SEA LILY
How many years has Sea Lily been open in Malibu?
This year will be the 10th year Sea Lily has been open.
When do you begin planning your orders for Valentine’s Day?
I begin planning my orders about one week and a half before Valentine’s Day. It’s very tricky to know how many flowers to order because there are a lot of last minute orders every year.
How much does your purchase order increase at this time?
My purchase order usually triples this time of year. Roses are definitely the most ordered — red, white and pink roses are always the favorites.
What is the most purchased flower for Valentine’s Day? The least purchased?
People ask for peonies — they are many women’s favorite flower — but, unfortunately, they are not in season so the next most popular is the more traditional rose arrangement. The least ordered would probably be tropicals.
Have you seen any trends come and go for Valentine’s Day in Malibu?
As far as trends go, people tend to stick with the roses for their valentines. The tradition of giving your loved one roses has always been a popular option.
Is Valentine’s Day the busiest day of the year? If not, which holiday would top Valentine’s Day?
Surprisingly, Valentine’s Day is not always the busiest day of the year. In the past, Mother’s Day has been even busier.
What’s the most romantic story you can remember during Valentine’s Day at Sea Lily?
There are always so many romantic things happening around Valentine’s Day, so it’s really hard to remember an individual one. The card messages are always the best: “because forever isn’t long enough,” “to the best thing that has ever happened to me.”
What is unique about Sea Lily?
Sea Lily is unique as we provide a very wide selection of flowers. We always have a lot to choose from and carry flowers that you don’t usually find at other flower shops. We have a lot of different types of orchids and many interesting indoor house plants that are beautiful yet also very easy to take care of. We also carry a wide variety of crystals that are incredible and always a great addition to homes.
