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Businesses Absorb Costs to Keep Valentine's Day Affordable
Florists and wineries work to offset inflation and tariffs for customers
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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Businesses in Dayton, Ohio are facing increased costs for Valentine's Day staples like flowers and wine due to inflation and tariffs, but they are working to absorb those costs so customers don't see higher prices. Florists and wineries say they are taking steps to keep prices steady for the holiday, even as they deal with higher wholesale prices from suppliers.
Why it matters
Valentine's Day is a crucial sales period for many businesses, and they want to ensure customers can still afford to celebrate the holiday despite the broader economic pressures of inflation. By keeping prices stable, these companies are aiming to maintain customer loyalty and ensure the holiday remains affordable for consumers.
The details
Jeanna Furst, the general manager of Furst the Florist, said her business had some initial concerns about the impact of inflation and tariffs on flower prices since many of their flowers are imported. However, Furst said those concerns have "settled down" and their prices have not increased. Tony Wenclewicz of Cooper's Hawk winery said about 15% of their wine is imported, where they have seen tariff increases, but the company has absorbed those costs rather than passing them on to customers.
- Valentine's Day is on February 14, 2026.
The players
Jeanna Furst
The general manager of Furst the Florist in Dayton, Ohio.
Tony Wenclewicz
An employee at Cooper's Hawk winery in Dayton, Ohio.
Evan Osborne
An economics professor at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.
What they’re saying
“It's always for the calm before the storm today and tomorrow. But come Friday and Saturday, it'll be nonstop foot traffic. And that's what we hope for. That's what we prepare for.”
— Jeanna Furst, General Manager, Furst the Florist (wdtn.com)
“This is the first time the company has actually seen the increase to where they've had to go, okay, we probably did increase the price of what we're shipping within the states, to absorb some of the cost.”
— Tony Wenclewicz, Employee, Cooper's Hawk Winery (wdtn.com)
“Valentine's Day is coming up, as you know, and I'm guessing a lot of people will trim things back.”
— Evan Osborne, Economics Professor, Wright State University (wdtn.com)
What’s next
Businesses will continue to monitor inflation and tariff impacts as they prepare for the Valentine's Day holiday rush.
The takeaway
Despite economic pressures, local businesses in Dayton are working hard to keep Valentine's Day affordable for consumers by absorbing increased costs rather than passing them along. This demonstrates the importance of the holiday to these companies and their commitment to maintaining customer loyalty.
