It's Not Too Late – Rite Aid Helping Men Save the Day This Valentine's Day

Fresh, Refrigerated Flowers Arriving in 4,600 Stores Today Making High-Quality Bouquets Just a Rite Aid Stop Away

Retail Group Predicts Men Will Drive Two Thirds of the $18.6 Billion Total Spent on Valentine's Day Gifts

CAMP HILL, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With fresh-cut flowers, luxuriously boxed gourmet chocolates and giant plush toys and cards, Rite Aid is pulling out all the stops this Valentine's Day to help men everywhere succeed with their shopping – no matter how late they've waited to start.

“Luckily, Rite Aid has plenty for procrastinators to choose from including high-quality fresh flowers, sweet treats and other soft sentiments that are sure to send sweethearts swooning.”

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), men will spend almost double what women will this Valentine's Day, increasing their total spend by 4 percent from 2012. As one of the biggest gift-giving holidays of the year, Valentine's Day results in approximately $18.6 billion worth of spending on candy, flowers, greeting cards and more, according to NRF.

"Even though the majority of women are finishing up their Valentine's Day shopping, we know many men will wait until the last minute," said Rite Aid's Executive Vice President of Merchandising Tony Montini. "Luckily, Rite Aid has plenty for procrastinators to choose from including high-quality fresh flowers, sweet treats and other soft sentiments that are sure to send sweethearts swooning."

Melt her heart with flowers, candy and plush cuddly toys

Why pay florist prices when beautiful fresh-cut flowers are as convenient as a stop by the neighborhood Rite Aid. New this year, Rite Aid stores nationwide will be selling fancy floral bouquets shipped in continuous refrigeration to ensure freshness. Selection extends from a simple three-rose bouquet for $6.99 to a dozen roses in prebagged vases for $24.99. For an equally sweet-smelling surprise, indulge her with sleek and sultry fragrances from Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift.

Boxed candies are as or more luxurious than ever this year with exquisite heart-boxed candies draped in fabric and sparkling jewels. Assortments including Russell Stover's and Whitman's range from $2.99 to $39.99. Or, for a sweet treat in a bag, try gourmet chocolates such as heart-stamped Ghirardelli squares and Godiva Chocolatier Gems complete with sweetheart messages. To help him say it clearly, HERSHEY's offers the XOXO chocolate bar. Another trend at Rite Aid this year is a wide selection of candy-plush figurine pairings including teddy bears, puppies, frogs and chimps.

His true feelings will be obvious with jumbo gifts including a 16- by 24-inch-card, humongous hearts for her whole office with 34 ounces of chocolate and 2-foot-long stuffed puppies that read, "I love you this much!" Or, give a date night complete or the gift of their choosing or with Rite Aid's selection of some 200 different prepaid gift cards good for movie passes, online specialty purchases and shopping trips such as Macy's.

Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains with more than 4,600 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia and fiscal 2012 annual revenues of $26.1 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company’s website at www.riteaid.com.