Pandemic, supply chain shortages threaten Valentine’s Day celebrations

Despite the supply chain shortages and the ongoing pandemic, the National Retail Federation expects around $24 billion to be spent for Valentine’s Day this year.

News 12 Staff

Feb 13, 2022, 10:23 PM

Updated 946 days ago

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Chocolates, flowers and more are what everyone shops for to give as Valentine’s Day presents. 
However, supply chain shortages and the ongoing pandemic is threatening to put a damper on those gifts. 
Jacqueline Brown owns and operates Emile’s Chocolates in Oceanside. She says this year has been challenging. 
“We used to offer certain chocolates,” says Brown. However, because of the supply chain issues, they can’t. 
Brown says her customers are understanding. 
Part of the problem Brown is facing are the increase in prices for items like sugar and milk.  
“We tried to keep everything down,” says Brown. “Unfortunately, we had to pass it off to the customers.” 
Brown says they are trying their best to ensure that “quality and service is there.”
The shop has been around since 1953 and has a loyal following. Despite the price increases, most shoppers are still stopping by. 
“Everything’s more expensive,” says shopper Pete Timmes. 
Pauline Degregorio says, “it is what it is.”
“If you want something, you have to pay the extra money for it,” says Degregorio. 
Despite the supply chain shortages and the ongoing pandemic, the National Retail Federation expects around $24 billion to be spent for Valentine’s Day this year.