Cupid’s arrows are indifferent to economic situations. Valentine’s Day, like every other commercial holiday, will happen regardless of the state of the economy.
The inevitability of Valentine’s Day has Boulder retailers optimistic about their sales.
“It happens every year; it will happen this year,” said Tim Weckerly, owner of Art of the Flower, the Hill’s flower boutique.
Weckerly purchased the same amount of merchandise as always, noting that over the years his numbers have been consistent, even on Valentine’s Days during tough economic times.
The expectations for the infamous day of love are the same every year, regardless of how unloving the economy is treating people.
“The guys will buy,” Weckerly said.
Other Hill retailers have already enjoyed pre-Valentine’s Day success thanks to some clever marketing. Frisk, a jewelry and accessories boutique located on 13th Street, recently held an event to boost their seasonal merchandise sales.
“Lots of boys are coming in and buying stuff for their girlfriends,” said Dona Rubino, one of the owners of the small, family-owned business.
Another small business working to encourage Valentine’s Day sales is Sole, a handbag and accessories boutique also located on the Hill. Currently at Sole, everything is 20 percent off through the weekend.
However, according to owner Robin Lincoln, “I probably would have had a sale anyway.”
For CU students, times may be hard but so far no one has resorted to making macaroni necklaces for their significant other. However, people are still finding ways to save money.
“My friends are no longer going out to dinner this year,” said Katie Frank, a senior psychology major.
Cutting back is one option, but some students are finding creative alternatives to expensive Valentine’s Day plans while taking advantage of Boulder’s many unique opportunities.
“We might just go to couple’s yoga or maybe to the mountains,” said Kayla Harding, a senior integrated physiology and music major.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Allison Doyle at Allison.doyle@colorado.edu.
