Valentine’s Day is here and that means business in Pelham is bustling. Sending sweet sentiments means bouquets, balloons, baubles and baked goods. And that means big business all over town.
On one block of Wolfs Lane, two businesses are on the front line of Valentine’s Day shopping: Artistic Manners and Provisions Bake Shop.
The phone at Artistic Manners florist shop rings non-stop with incoming orders and delivery requests.
After taking one of the calls, co-owner Laurette Graham relays very specific instructions. “No carnations!” Graham tells her assistant. “Make sure this order has no carnations because this customer doesn’t like them.”
For the flower shop, Valentine’s Day means there is enough work for extra hands. A “Help Wanted” sign on the front door has an appeal for delivery drivers.
A small team of workers dances busily around the store arranging greenery and exotic flora into special parcels bound for Pelham, Purchase, Bronxville and beyond.
If the smell of roses and lilies weren’t sweet enough, right next door Nanette Conners sets out baked confections: cupcakes covered in sprinkles, scones coated in icing. Cakes and cookies wear love messages and Provisions Bake Shop smells good enough to eat.
The personal touches on Conners baked treats convey the same sentiment of Valentine's Day. "Buy small, buy local!" she champions.
