Men splurge on the fairer sex

More women than men bought Valentine goodies for their loved ones in the Penal, Debe, region, but in San Fernando it was men who dominated at the cash register. Sanjay Persad of M&M Enterprises, Penal, said he was surprised by the influx of women who made purchases yesterday.

“It seems that many of them bought stuff for themselves. They bought roses and scented pillows and teddies (lingerie),” Persad said. However, Crystal Sookram, of Neeta’s Boutique and Variety Store, explained that most of the women were buying gifts for family and friends, not particularly their lovers. “Valentines is not just for couples. Women are mostly shopping for their children, for friends and for their loved ones,” Sookram said. Pam Ramoutar and her husband Deonath, who went shopping for their grandchildren, daughter and daughter-in-law, said the celebration of Valentine’s Day should be familyoriented. “We must try to spread love 365 days for the year instead of just one day. If we do this we will have a better T&T,” Deonath said.

Meanwhile, at Balloon and Floral Decorative Services, Gulf View, director Laurette Arthur said gift baskets were a top seller. She said the kinky baskets contained edible undies, vibrating toys, wine, flowers, chocolates, strawberries and scented oils. “The baskets are being sold for $400 and $650. This year we did a lot of pre-ordered deliveries and the sales were very good.” Laurette said. Singing balloons and floral arrangements were also a top priority for men. At Nicky’s Flower Shop, owner Barry Heeralal said flowers were the fastest seller. A single rose was being sold for $40. “We are bringing the flowers from Ecuador but we didn’t get our full shipment so we had to get roses from another farm in Colombia,”

Heeralal said. He said sales were slow but most of the sales were from female customers. Esther Maharaj from Maharaj’s Enterprises said it was men who forked out the money. She said a customer insisted on buying a bouquet of 12 red roses for his girlfriend which were not on sale and even though she gave him an exorbitant price of $1,000 to deter him, he paid it. “Men don’t watch their money, they will pay whatever you ask,” Maharaj said.