Phones and tills are set to ring this Valentine's Day with traditional favourites of roses and chocolates remaining firm favourites among the love-struck.
Rosarie Flowers manager Jane Le Marquand said most grand gesture she had heard of this year came from an unlikely suspect – a high school student who wanted to order 99 pink roses for his sweetheart.
"The girl who was working here said 'I don't know if we'll be able to get that many in such short notice'... but it was obviously a significant number for him."
With current going rates for roses, Le Marquand estimated the order would have cost about $800. In the end, he settled for two dozen pink roses, an order which Le Marquand said was "quite extreme" for someone still at school.
She was preparing for the inevitable last-minute rush on the day before and on Valentine's Day itself. She had ordered extra roses in anticipation for the late-comers.
"Even on the day we tend to be open until 8pm and people are still coming in.
"The phone will ring tomorrow and it will ring all day."
Although Valentine's Day is one of the busiest days of the year, Le Marquand said Mother's Day brought in slightly more business.
Floral Collaborative owner Cheryl James said her chiller was "chock-a-block" full of red roses, which have been the firm favourite and have made up the vast majority of orders. She said most people were shying away from single roses this year and opting for flashier bunches.
"The bigger bouquets seem to be a trending thing this year."
A single rose costs $15, whereas a dozen costs $99. Those looking for a compromise can buy a half dozen for $60.
In keeping with traditional Valentine's day gifts, chocolates were also in high demand. Munchkins owner Oleene Wells said the shop had lots of special products including heart-shaped chocolates and fudge.
The two stores had a "good mix" of males and females coming to buy for their partners, and Wells said Munchkins' sweet treats were popular as an "add on" to other gifts.