Weekend Valentine’s brings early shoppers to flower market

Shoppers flocked to the Flower Market in Mong Kok early Saturday morning as couples marked Valentine’s Day with bouquets and festive blooms.

Many buyers were seen browsing stalls and comparing prices, with red roses remaining a popular choice. One man purchased a bouquet of 32 roses for his wife, saying he had been unable to prepare anything in previous years due to work commitments.

“In past years I had to work on Valentine’s Day, so I didn’t have time to prepare,” he said. “This year I finally have a day off, so I came to the Flower Market and spent about HK$1,000 on flowers for her. I hope she will feel happy when she receives them, and I wish her good health.”

Another shopper said his wife valued a sense of ritual, making it a tradition to give flowers every year. He chose pink peonies, which he said symbolized a long-lasting relationship.

“She really cares about the sense of occasion, so I always send flowers to express my feelings,” he said. He added that with Valentine’s Day falling on a weekend this year, it was easier to arrange time for shopping and celebration. He had already booked a dinner reservation for the evening and noted that prices seemed lower than last year and restaurant bookings were not difficult.

Florists reported brisk business the previous evening, with many men stopping by after work to buy bouquets. One stall owner said prices for Valentine’s arrangements were similar to previous years, but the proximity to the Lunar New Year meant many customers were focusing on festive flowers instead.

Another vendor said sales of Valentine’s bouquets had dropped by 10 to 20 percent compared with past years, as more shoppers opted for traditional Lunar New Year plants.