Shops selling flowers, chocolates, and themed gifts see a sharp rise in demand, while restaurants prepare for one of their busiest nights of the year. However, unexpected rainfall disrupted celebrations, particularly for those who had planned outdoor dates or lacked private transport. A shop attendant at Pick & Pay, Riverwalk, confirmed that sales increased significantly in the days leading to February 14. “We stock more flowers, chocolates, and teddy bears because people want to buy something special,” he said. Another retailer observed that many customers waited until the last minute. “By the afternoon of the 14th, people were rushing in, looking for whatever was left,” she said. However, not all businesses experienced the same boom. A supermarket employee at Clicks noted that while chocolates and cards sold well, other Valentine’s-themed items remained on shelves. “Not everyone buys into the idea,” he said. For couples, Valentine’s Day meant different things. A young man shared that he started planning weeks in advance. “It’s important to do something nice for your partner. I always make sure I buy a gift and take her out,” he said. Others took a more reserved approach. A married woman said: “We don’t do much anymore. When we were younger, it was exciting, but now it’s just another day.”
However, rainfall on the day disrupted plans for many, especially those who had planned outdoor picnics. A couple in Tlokweng had to cancel their picnic at a local park. “We had everything ready, but then it started raining, and we had nowhere else to go,” one of them said. Another couple in Gaborone, who rely on public transport, struggled with the weather. “We don’t have a car, and the rain made it difficult to move around. We ended up staying home,” one woman said. A street vendor selling flowers also expressed frustration. “The rain came at the worst time. Some people who wanted to buy from me just ran for cover instead,” he said. Some Batswana see Valentine’s Day as unnecessary. An older man remarked: “This is a modern thing. In our time, we didn’t need a specific day to show love.”
