PETALING JAYA: Though Valentine’s Day this year is close to Chinese New Year, it has not posed a major impact on restaurant bookings or sales of gifts and flowers.
Senior marketing manager of Tony Roma’s Malaysia Salleharon Ahmad told theSun that almost most of their outlets have been fully booked for the special occasion.
“Even though Valentine’s Day is so close to Chinese New Year this year, we did not see much impact from it, instead the response was very encouraging to the point where we have a few bookings by children for their parents,” he said.
As for gift shops and florists, although roses, chocolates and teddy bears remain crowd favourites, sales are unlike previous years where couple were more willing to spend on gift items.
A gift shop operator who wished to be known as Christina said her shop would usually receive large orders for flower bouquets for delivery but this year those orders have greatly reduced.
However, she does not think it has anything to do with the occasion being near to Chinese New Year.
“Couples who wish to celebrate Valentine’s Day still have sufficient time to celebrate Chinese New Year considering both celebration are two days apart.
“Furthermore, Valentine’s Day is not really just a one-day celebration, if you really love each other then each day can be considered as Valentine’s Day,” she said.
