15-02-2025
NYC chocolatiers and florists adjust to inflation this Valentine's Day
QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11)—It's the day of love, and that means many people are celebrating with their significant others.
But with prices on so many things up, is that impacting how people are marking the day?
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At Aigner Chocolates in Forest Hills, Queens, there is a steady stream of customers like Naher Mangiha. The 18-year-old picked up some premium chocolate for his mom.
'In case my dad doesn't- might as well,' he said.
Eric Firestone was also there. He was also all about the goodies for his wife and daughter.
'Because if I didn't, I'd be in big trouble. Number one, number two, it's just nice as it's the holiday,' Firestone said.
Owner Rachel Kellner is thrilled with the turnout.
'Today is the busiest day of our entire year, so I'm glad it's not snowing.'
Last year, the snowfall on Valentine's Day led to a big drop in sales. With inflation as it is, she's also seen an overall decrease in shoppers.
Then there's the price of her goods, also up.
Rising temperatures in West Africa, which produces 70 percent of the world's cocoa, have caused cocoa futures to surge.
Aigner Chocolates says their cocoa costs have gone up 250 percent in the last year alone, but they're doing what they can to not pass that cost on to their consumers.
'It's astronomical, and we keep seeing it rise,' Kellner says.
'We're trying to cut expenses where we can. We had to raise our cost of chocolate-dipped strawberries because the cost of strawberries doubled this year, but we're just hoping to continue to increase all in traffic to offset our high costs.'
It's a similar story at Forest Hills Lilies of the Valley, where prices are up 20-30 percent in the last few months.
Owner Benerdict DeSilva says, 'Everything from roses to carnations to lilies, even the greenery we use.'
Still, the owner says he's keeping prices steady—charging $85 for a dozen roses instead of the market rate of $100.
DeSilva says, 'You can't increase just because it's Valentine's Day- customers will feel it's unfair.'
'It really hurts, but I have to take it and work because I have to serve my community.'
Both owners hope their loyal customers will appreciate them taking the financial hit.
These customers say they do.
Jennifer Giardina says, 'This is just a gem in the neighborhood and in the community, and I think that we should try as much as possible to pick and choose how we're going to splurge on our family.'
Naher Mangiha adds, 'It's Valentine's Day is one time a year, so it wouldn't hurt.'
They say things have been expensive for a while, but it's okay to budget and then overindulge on a holiday.
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