Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Senior Lifestyle Writer
A BUBBLY and welcoming florist at Africa Unity Square in Harare greeted us at her stall yesterday around mid-morning.
Grinning from ear to ear, Fortunate Pangeti was in good spirits as lovebirds spoiled one another with roses and exquisite bouquets.
Buoyed by her hospitality, Pangeti was one of the busiest florists of the day at Africa Unity Square along Jason Moyo Avenue.
In a short period, she had recorded significant sales on this sun-kissed morning, thanks to clients eager to purchase roses.
With all her experience in this business, it was clear Pangeti knew how to treat her customers.
Her hospitality made new customers feel at home, a clear indication that remarkable public relations practice was her biggest charm to woo lovebirds on Valentine’s Day.
After some introductions with this news crew, Pangeti shared her sentiments on Valentine’s Day.
“Business started slow today, but it’s picking up right now as lovebirds are coming here to purchase roses for their loved ones.
“Of course, last year was much better compared to this year, but I can’t complain as we are managing to get sales. Valentine’s Day is a special occasion where partners give each other roses to show their love,” stressed Pangeti.
As one of the senior florists at the place, she revealed that she was not bothered by competition.
“I can’t complain at all because I already have regular customers who come to buy here.
“We don’t only rely on special days like Valentine’s Day; every day is business for us. It’s just that trends are changing each year, but it is still a good day in the office,” she said.
Not to be outdone is another seasoned florist, Lloyd Mkosa, operating at the same marketplace.
“To be honest, I have been receiving remarkable sales, mainly from the elderly men. It’s fun that we still have elderly customers who are romantic in this area.
“There is one old man, who is now in his mid 70s if I may guess his age, who surprised us by buying the most expensive bouquet, going for US$85,” shared Mkosa.
He, however, lamented the high cost of flowers for pushing other florists out of business.
“By the way, we are getting these flowers from Kenya because locally, we no longer have many people growing them. We don’t have a choice but to increase the cost of flowers; otherwise, we will be jobless.
“These are some of the challenges we are facing at the moment because we are mainly importing these roses,” explained Mkosa.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Cathrine Muunganirwa, a new florist in the business.
“I am still new in this business, but I can’t complain because people still respect Valentine’s Day.
“I know business will pick up later in the day because some people enjoy last-minute shopping, especially men. This time around it was better for me compared to last year,” she said.
Another florist, Tawanda Allan, strongly believes in Valentine’s Day.
“I came here early in the morning, and I don’t regret it since I made better sales today. Of course, it’s no longer the same compared to previous years. It’s a day well spent, and I thank all those who came to support me,” he said.
A stroll in the city centre showed that love was still in the air.
Another cheerful lady in a lingerie shop along Robert Mugabe Way also welcomed this crew as they inquired about prices for morning gowns, knickers and bras.
“I am here to serve you guys; make your wives happy by purchasing these seamless pants for ladies.
“You can also purchase these morning gowns and show your wives that you truly love them.
“It’s Valentine’s Day, and you need to go out of your way to express true love to your loved ones. It has to be a different Valentine’s Day,” she stressed.
The crew had an opportunity to interview another street vendor selling gift bags and roses along Chinhoyi Street near Boomerang Nite Club in Harare.
“I can’t complain because it’s all about survival. I am trying my best along with other big sharks who are making a killing this Valentine’s Day.
“I can’t sit at home and expect to fend for myself. As vendors, we do business during this time of the year,” said the vendor, who only identified himself as Mhofela.
Like any other Valentine’s Day, some were left nursing heartbreaks.
“I didn’t get anything from either of my two boyfriends. I don’t know what I have done to deserve this bad luck. I envy those who receive gifts from their partners,” said a second-hand clothes vendor at Construction House.
It was also a busy day for saxophonist Denilson Musekiwa, who surprised shoppers at Gulf Complex where he went to deliver some gifts.
Before this year’s Valentine’s Day, he had told The Herald Arts that he was fully booked in December, a clear indication that some people believe in this day.
However, some people don’t believe in Valentine’s Day.
“I wish people knew the history of this day before celebrating it. In my case, I don’t believe in it, and it’s up to these fools to follow Western culture, which they don’t fully understand. I believe we should show each other true love daily,” said a tailor operating in the Kopje area of Harare.
Valentine’s Day has ancient Roman origins and is associated with the martyred Christian Saint Valentine.
The holiday became associated with romantic love in the 14th and 15th centuries.
Since then, the holiday has been celebrated worldwide, with many people taking the opportunity to cement their love affairs.
Those in rocky relationships take the chance to mend their affairs while the unlucky-in-love keeps hoping for the best to come.
Entrepreneurs usually cash in on this day, which is marked by festivities and exclusive dinners.
In Zimbabwe, Valentine’s Day is also celebrated by many.
