Business Owners Embrace Valentine's Day Rush

Whether waiting until the last minute or planning out your date in advance, local businesses helped make Valentine’s Day a special one for Wilmington residents.

Don Hill, co-owner of Designs by Don, said Monday and Tuesday are the busiest day of the year for his local flower shop.

“There are a lot of roses that we sell here, so the impact of Valentine’s Day is big,” said Hill. “We’re a family operated business, so we just call in the rest of the family and it’s all hands on deck.”

John Lucci of Lucci’s Supermarket said many customers choose his store for Valentine’s Day because it is a one stop spot for everything romance.

The business offers heart shaped cookies, bouquets of flowers, Valentine’s Day cakes, and more.

“I think the thing that makes us different is that if someone asks for something specific or has an opinion, they’re going to see a quicker reaction than chain stores,” said Lucci. “People can get the products they want without having to go very far.”

Hill also stressed the importance of shopping locally, and said Designs by Don is unique because of the knowledge they have of the business. 

“There are a lot of online companies, and a lot of people who work for them don’t even know what a flower is when they’re taking orders,” he said. “We always make our custormers happy. We take real personal care for every order that’s done. Nothing is mass produced.”

The florist said there is something especially rewarding on Valentine’s Day knowing that he has helped make a special day for local residents.

“One of the things that I’ve always tried to lived by in my whole life is that every flower I’m making, it’s making someone happy,” said Hill. “That’s the only motivation you need when things get busy.”