HONOLULU (KHON2) — Mother’s Day is on Sunday and many people are busy buying gifts for the special mother in their lives. As the rush continues, florists and retailers said they still have items in stock, but not for long.
From flower arrangements, bouquets and balloons to all types of lei, many customers came out on Friday to beat the crowds.
“I didn’t want to be last minute I guess, but I just wanted to get them something nice for once so I thought flowers would be good,” said Evan Horio, an Oahu resident.
“This week we’ll sell up to almost 10,000 lei alone and Mother’s Day itself is a huge lei holiday,” said Monty Pereira, Watanabe Floral General Manager.
Watanabe Floral said customers’ last chance to purchase gifts is Friday and Saturday. Sunday, the store will be closed. Some of the items flying off the shelves include sunflowers, lilies and peonies.
With Mother’s Day and the University of Hawaii system graduations set for the same weekend, florists are urging customers to come early and not wait until the last minute.
“That adds to the craziness, but we still have product available whether it be fresh lei for people graduating today or tomorrow or for mom and we have lots of flowers available. The only thing we’re sold out of is any deliveries for the rest of the week,” said Pereira.
It’s not just flowers. Fujiya Hawaii is busy making Mother’s Day mochi trays and expects big crowds on Saturday.
“We’re still taking phone orders, walk-ins are always welcome and we have a lot of trays even for walk-ins,” said Mina Choy, Fujiya Hawaii Retail Supervisor. “We made a lot of strawberry mochi, they’re working hard back there the two girls.”
For those looking to head to brunch during the weekend, the Hawaii Restaurant Association said reservations are likely booked, but it’s always worth another try the day of.
“Call the day of, just check in because we have many times open reservations because people cancel last minute,” said Sheryl Matsuoka, Hawaii Restaurant Association.