Retailers prepare for Valentine's rush

GREEN BAY - For Petal Pusher owner Nichole Campbell, the night before Valentine's Day is the calm before the storm.

“The single busiest day of the year times ten,” said Campbell.

Luckily for Campbell, she says more people than ever before put in their flower orders prior to the big day. However, she still anticipates a big last minute push.

“It's hectic, but we try to be as prepared as we can,” said Campbell. “We know it's coming so we try to be as ahead of things as possible as we walk in the door.”

According to the National Retail Federation, it could be the most lucrative Valentine's Day in history for retailers. The federation projects about $17 billion in sales, with the average consumer spending about $126. That's up 8.5% from last year.

“If people could start a week before, that would be ideal,” said Blake Beernsten of Beernsten’s Candies.

At Beernsten's Candies, the sweet rush starts the day before Valentines and lasts into the holiday's evening.

“Valentine's Day is actually the single biggest day,” said Beernsten. “Christmas is a whole season, but Valentine's Day is just like two days, the 13th and 14th that are all the sales.”

Whether chocolates, flowers or something else is your gift of choice, the workers supplying them say they have their own love potion to get them through the busy day.

“The coffee will already be brewed,” said Campbell.