News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
DATE:
 February 11, 2019
CONTACT: Kathy Sautter
716 635 5577

   
LET TOPS HELP YOU WIN OVER YOUR VALENTINE
Sweetest Deals in Town for Your Sweetheart!

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. – There are many different tales about the origin of Valentine’s Day steeped in mythology and symbolism, and from that we have seen traditions like the presentation of flowers, cards, and candy flourish. But why?

Roses Flowers have always been the non-verbal way to communicate ones feelings and a red rose has stood the test of time to symbolize love and passion. Charles II of Sweden actually introduced the notion of having an entire conversation using only flowers in the 18th century, noting that each flower has a specific meaning attached to it. On Valentine’s Day, however, whether sending a dozen or a single red rose, the message is clear. Love is in the air. Stop by Tops for a Diamond long stem red rose bouquet for only $29.99 and declare your love.

Cards Handmade cards was the way one would send their devotions adorned with flowers, hearts, lace, ribbon, and cupids. This was common practice by the mid-1800s in England. It is said that the most famous Valentine’s Day poem was scribed in 1784 and is commonly seen in a collection of nursery rhymes: The rose is red, the violet’s blue, The honey’s sweet, and so are you. Most handmade cards however were replaced with the creation of print technology with the first one being sent in London by Catherine Mossday to a Mr. Brown. Today it resides in York Castle Museum for enthusiasts to enjoy its decorated floral scene with images of cupid and a verse printed around its border which reads:

Since on this ever Happy day, All Nature’s full of Love and Play Yet harmless still if my design, ‘Tis but to be your Valentine.

Don’t have time to make a handmade card for that special someone? Not to worry. Tops has a wide assortment of Hallmark cards and when you buy three with your Tops BonusPlus card you earn 200 extra Tops gas points!

Candy Sweets for your sweet is something you’ll commonly hear this time of year as heart shaped boxes greet you as you walk thru the doors of your local Tops Grocery store. But unlike the traditions of flowers and cards it wasn’t until the 1840’s did the presentation of candy come on the scene. Richard Cadbury, a British chocolate manufacturer had recently improved the chocolate making technique which resulted in an excess of amount of cocoa butter allowing him to produce more varieties of what was called at the time “eating chocolate.” Like any good salesman he saw a great opportunity before him, placing these new chocolates in boxes he designed himself. While he didn’t paten the heart shaped box, rumor has it he did make the first one. From sponge candy at just $4.49 a tub to Tops Premium Chocolate bars (just 2 for $3) or Lindt and Ghirardelli valentine Chocolates for just $6.99, there is a wide variety of chocolates for your sweet to choose from at Tops!

Today flowers, cards, and candy are easy to obtain at your local Tops Friendly Markets alongside other great Valentine’s Day ideas like plush (25% off), delicious cookie cakes and fresh strawberry heart cakes (just $7.99 each) and surf and turf pairings ($6.99 lb. for boneless NY Strip steaks and twin packs of lobster tails just $7.99 per lb.) to win over your sweetheart. View our ad online at Topsmarkets.com for more great ideas to woo your Valentine. Historical facts from: https://www.historyextra.com/period/roman/a-brief-history-of-valentines-day-cards/

https://www.rosesonly.com.au/history-of-valentines-day

https://www.history.com/news/celebrating-valentines-day-with-a-box-of-chocolates

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About Tops Friendly Markets Tops Markets, LLC, is headquartered in Williamsville, NY and operates 159 full-service supermarkets with five additional by franchisees under the Tops banner. Tops employs more than 14,000 associates and is a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, and western Vermont. For more information about Tops Markets, visit the company's website at www.topsmarkets.com.

 

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