Linda Skwarcan said she is preparing for the inevitable rush of people wanting to get their loved one chocolates or candies in the last few hours before Valentine’s Day.

“It really is a last-minute holiday and I think that’s because it is a lot of men shopping,” said Skwarcan, of Veni’s Sweet Shop in downtown Niles. “Our traffic increases in February, but the real crazy stuff won’t start until Wednesday or Thursday (of this week).”

To keep up with the demand, Veni’s has extended its hours to 8 p.m. every day through Valentine’s Day in addition to having extra staff on hand.

“Valentine’s is typically a very busy holiday for a chocolate shop and we are here for you if you are last minute,” she said.

In fact, Skwarcan said if she had to rank the holidays in terms of business, she would put Valentine’s Day at No. 2 — just behind Christmas.

“The 13th and the 14th (of February) are the two busiest days of the year, typically, but Christmas is a longer shopping season, the whole month of December,” she said. “Valentine’s is more of an insane week.”

Skwarcan said their most popular Valentine’s Day item is a classic: a heart-shaped box full

of chocolates.

“We sell a lot of those — hundreds,” she said.

A new downtown business — Crumb Crossing Bakery — is also gearing up for Valentine’s Day.

Owners Gail Hanchar and Kerri Karaszewski open the bakery in late 2014, so this will be their first time experiencing Valentine’s Day shoppers.

Hanchar said, while foot traffic has yet to increase, they are taking more phone orders for Valentine’s Day-related items.

“It’s picked up a little bit,” she said. “Right now we are getting ready for the last-minute shoppers. I’m trying to get as much stocked as possible.”

Hanchar said handmade chocolate rose petals — made from a pound of white chocolate — are among the store’s popular holiday items.

For more information on holiday specials, visit the Niles Main Street page on Facebook.