Oklahoma City Still Spending for Valentine's Day

By Jennifer Pierce, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- It you think the dismal economy will claim another holiday, think again.

Local florists, retailers and restaurant owners are breathing a sigh of relief.

Love is blooming at one flower shop in downtown Oklahoma City.

The owners of Floral and Hardy are seeing steady business. Customers are buying, just not spending as much as they did in years past.

Gary Taft wasn't sure if sales would flourish during a recession, but he went ahead and stocked up with high hopes.

"We'll know later tomorrow when we measure by our product," Taft said.

Businesses that count on Valentine's Day profits were worried this holiday would be a bust. But so far orders are coming in and tables are set.

The economy doesn't seem to be making an impact on dinner plans. Many metro restaurants are reporting that they are booked Friday and Saturday night.

At Coco Flow, customers are saying "I Love You" with handmade chocolate.

The owner usually has dozens of pre-orders but this year customers are coming in last minute and handpicking their sweets.

And customers don't want to go home empty handed even if money is tight.

The National Retail Federation reports consumers are spending, on average, about $20 less than last year.