Valentine's 'Like Christmas times 10!'

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Valentine's Day is turning out to be sweet for Austin retailers. Thus far, flower sales at one shop are up dramatically from last year, and people planned ahead.

King Florist on Burnet Road staff said they had to turn off their website Monday morning because the orders coming in were too overwhelming to handle with the orders that were already on the schedule for the day.

"It's like Christmas times 10!" said King Florist employees.

The main Valentine's Day categories consists of candy, flowers and dinner. That is if you want to do it up right. This year Cupid seemed to aim his arrows at the retailers who specialize in making your day special, and local shops got the gift.

Moe Castillo came in to Lamme Candies to buy sweets for his sweetie and when asked what he was getting in return he wasn't sure yet.

"I don't know yet, hopefully just a kiss," he laughed.

Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo -- or should we call him "Cupid" -- also came in to the shop to show a little love for his office staff.

"Well, you know it's Valentine's Day. And you know you've got to spread the love. So I've got to go to the office, and bring some chocolate strawberries to my staff. And you busted me so I'm a little embarrassed!" he said.

Lamme Candies president Pam Teich loves Valentine's Day not just for its symbolic reasons, but all of the red and white in the store means some serious green.

"These are our two busiest volume days of the entire year. You could take a week of Christmas and pack it into these two days," she said.

Valentine's Day is indeed like Christmas Day at a candy store. Just like that holiday's regular last-minute shoppers, it appears that men in the candy store picking up last minute gifts seem to outnumber the ladies 3-1.

"You men! I love you! You wait until the last minute, and you are after my own heart," Teich said.

Thus far sales are coming up roses at one Austin flower shop.

"People in Austin must just really be in love. That's what I'm convinced of!" laughed King Florist manager, Lynsey Reece.

King Florist's greenery is in the form of cash -- much missed last year. They sold a $700 arrangement Monday, and the average price of requested arrangements is between $150 to $175 dollars a vase, which is vastly different from last year.

"Yes! This year we kind of didn't know what to expect with things with the economy, and especially with the holiday being on a Monday we didn't know what kind of rush we would get. But it's been great!" said Reece.

Preliminary data from the National Retail Federation is already in for this Valentine's Day. Thus far adults will spend an average $116.21 billion on gifts this year. That's more than 10 percent higher the $103 billion Americans spent last year.

Out of the $15 billion dollars expected to be spent this year, $3.5 billion will go to jewelry, $3.4 billion will go to eating out and $1.7 billion on flowers.

For romantic dining downtown, Aquarelle's rare Monday opening is experiencing the usual busy Valentine's Day crowd. Sous Chef Leonard said he is looking for love and ladies.

"I own a house. I have no baggage. No kids. I love kids, though. I'm a cook, look! I'm a chef at the best place in town. And last but not least, I'm a great dancer," laughed Leonard.

He said to call the restaurant for reservations.