Local businesses preparing for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and two local shops are preparing for the occasion.

The busiest time of year at Village Florist is fast approaching and the floral shop is swamped preparing their arrangements and gift baskets. Village Florist Owner Tanya Jones said, “We have got from fresh flowers to green plants to blooming plants to stuff animal balloons, you name it.”

The Village Florist in Gulfport has been producing hand-made fresh flower arrangements since 1988 and Jones says as a local florist they are committed to exceptional service delivering flower arrangements right to customers doors. “Please call ahead,” said Jones. “We have only so many delivery slots available. We are delivering, people are asking Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday, but order early to get your best spot.”

While they are preparing flower arrangements, over in Ocean Springs, the Fudge Shack is baking up a wide variety of sweets. Fudge Shack Owner Amy Tringali said, “We have lots of people coming in to get things to surprise and put a smile on their loved ones face.”

Tringali says pre-orders are already rolling in, especially on their chocolate-covered strawberries. “of course our biggest seller is going to be our chocolate covered strawberries which we are going to be having available in half dozen as well as dozens. We are also going to be doing some Valentine’s Day macarons, which macarons are one of our specialties.”

With it being a busy time of year with Mardi Gras, Super Bowl Sunday, and Valentine’s Day, both owners insist on ordering ahead of time. Jones said, “Do not wait to the last minute. Just think, everybody is buying stuff for their sweetheart.”

Tringali said, “We want to stress, don’t wait to the last minute because we do expect a large crowd.”