SPOKANE, Wash. – Valentine’s Day spending is set to reach a new record, according to the National Retail Federation. A survey showed candy as the most popular gift choice, with 56% of buyers planning to purchase it, followed by greeting cards.
Patty Moore and her husband Terry Leske shared their tradition of visiting Spokandy for chocolates, saying it’s a part of what keeps their marriage strong.
Moore said, “Terry can fix anything. And and he’s very intelligent. And a lot of people will call him, you know, for help and things.”
Leske added, “Compassionate and caring and so, you know, it’s just worked out perfect for us.”
The couple emphasized the importance of compromise in their 25-year relationship.
“Compromise. You know, give and take. You know we can have some things his way. I can have some things my way.”
Katie Lynch from Spokandy noted the shop’s busy season.
“Business is booming this month,” she said. The shop can accommodate at least 100 people on a busy day. Lynch added, “It’s definitely a bit more spread out this year, a lot more people coming in early, which is good.”
Tom Hindle, a 13-year associate at Vino Wine Shop, highlighted their Valentine’s Day sales.
“We basically have tasted every wine in the store at one point or another. So we know we know what’s on the shelf,” he said.
Hindle described the rush, saying, “It’s pretty much last minute, with, Valentine’s Day. This week has been really busy, a lot of people just blowing in and out after work or on their lunch break.”
Hindle mentioned that Vino sells several cases of wine daily, including online orders.
“There’s, of course, the champagne, which is a classic gift for Valentine’s Day, and we go through a lot of that too,” he said.
Moore and Leske plan to enjoy their Valentine’s Day at home with their animals.
“We enjoy staying home. We have some animals and so we’ll stay at home with them.” said Moore.
