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Love is an expensive affair and nothing proves it better than Valentine's Day. The day is now highly marketed and loaded with expectations.
Still, not so long ago, Valentine's Day meant buying a card. Not anymore.
Valentine's Day traditionally consists of couples who go out on special dates. It also involves a lot of gifts, be it husbands, buddies, girlfriends or fiancées.
Some gifts range from flower arrangements to cards to chocolates, teddy bears and even engagement rings. It's a day where people take the time to show their love for someone special in their lives.
However, as Valentine's Day approaches on Thursday, many businesses across Rwanda are offering promotions to promote their brands before Valentine's Day. An influx of customers should go to the maximum for their dates.
As expected, business people are looking for entrepreneurial opportunities to make money. For florists, jewelers, restaurant owners and souvenir shops, Valentine's Day is, after Christmas, the most lucrative time of the year.
Dede Murasa, one of the founders of Anthurium Décor and Design, said the inspiration for offering gifts came from the struggle that Rwandans were leading to find gifts for their lovers.
Apostle Alice Mignonne with her husband Eric Kabera at a couple dinner held on Valentine's Day last year. Courtesy.
With his colleagues, they saw the opportunity to offer a wide range of gifts, which would save time because most people buy Valentine's Day gifts at the last minute.
"They often say that love is a gift and that making a gift that day is a unique thing that truly commemorates the relationship with your loved one. It captures each of you at this unique moment in your relationship in ways that you will cherish forever and enjoy for many years. The memories will take you back to that time and remind you how special it was at the time and how special it is now.
For me, couples should celebrate each day … but because it is not possible. Let's party at least once a year. It's worth celebrating, "she says
The amount spent by Rwandan consumers on Valentine's Day varies considerably. Indeed, according to Murasa, Rwandans tend to be difficult, some want a quality gift at affordable prices, while others are willing to pay more for a better gift.
Karen Bugingo, an entrepreneur who sells jewelry says that even though she started her business after Valentine's Day and does not know what to expect, this day is the perfect time to make sales because the jewels are one of the ideal gifts that people buy on Valentine's Day. Day.
She plans a sale for Valentine's Day, where there will be discounts for her jewelry. The same business technique, she says, she used during the holidays and "it was very rewarding".
In addition, competition from online businesses is increasing. in less than 10 years, internet-based businesses have captured a percentage of the Valentine's Day market, which in turn expands this market and expands the concept of romance.
Yvette Uwimpaye, founder of Murukali, an online store, explains that with the advent of technology, online shopping has been by far the best option for purchases considering the time saved.
Murukali offers a wide range of Valentine's Day packages, ranging from bouquets of flowers to romantic gift baskets, fruit baskets and vegetables.
She says, however, that the most popular gift on Valentine's Day is the flower arrangement and is preparing for the big rush.
"We have already received about 12 paid orders to deliver on Valentine's Day from people living abroad to their loved ones in Rwanda. So we have to give the best services, "she says.
She adds that the trend with online shopping is on the rise as Rwandans begin to appreciate the convenience that goes with it.
"In recent years, people were going to town to buy flowers to send to their loved ones, which can be a hectic process, especially for busy professionals," she says.
Melvin Ayebare does not believe the day deserves to be celebrated because it raises unrealistic expectations and encourages lovers to spend money without the need for gifts that their loved ones do not really need.
"Why wait for the day to celebrate love? That's why there is a tremendous burden and stress that accompanies the day and, one way or another, gender roles are poorly understood, as most women expect men too much; 'They give too little, which is different from all other occasions,' he says.
For Marian Ingabire, a valentine accountant, like Christmas and Easter, the past few years have become a mere commercial celebration and have therefore lost their meaning. The day she believes, was originally for lovers of all clbades, but it's no longer the clbad.
You can set the right mood for the day without necessarily spending a lot. Net photo.
It seems to me that prices for traditional Valentine's Day gifts, such as flowers, tend to increase at this time. This has created a competition between young people looking for the most extravagant gift and sharing them on their social networks, which I consider as an unnecessary pressure on a relationship.
It also brings depression to young singles, reminding them that they have no one to celebrate with, she says.
Slice & Cakes, a cake shop, has also prepared baskets on the online store for the day, ranging from red velvet cake and chocolate, to cupcakes, flowers and wines.
Janet Gasatura, the owner, recognizes that Rwandans place a high value on Valentine's Day celebrations. That's why his expectations for the day are great.
She is of the opinion that the day deserves to be celebrated because "life is too short and the creation of unforgettable memories is invaluable".
She advises other entrepreneurs who want to make the most of the day, to make the most of social media, because it's the easiest way to let their customers know what's ahead.
Far from the gifts, many business people in the entertainment industry also want to make the most of the evening with many entertainment programs already scheduled.
Activities include Silent Disco and renowned comedians and comedians from Aki and Pawpaw, as well as local comedians and Valentine's Day dinners at various restaurants around Kigali.
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