Maybe it’s long walks watching the sunset at the Airpark or dinner on a patio, but whatever the activity, Courtenay couples know how to make their love shine.
Courtenay has been rated as the ninth most romantic city in Canada on Amazon Canada’s yearly ranking of amorous metropolises just in time for Valentine’s Day next week.
Apparently there is something to be said for romance on the Island, as Victoria took the top spot for the seventh consecutive year.
“(Courtenay) has everything to offer,” explains Janel Debalinhard, owner of the Sexy Kitten Boutique on Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay. “I have a lot of retired couples who want their marriage to stay successful and happy - this sets a good example for younger people as well.”
RELATED: Victoria named most romantic city in Canada
The annual ranking was compiled by campaign sales data from Jan. 1, 2018 to Jan. 1, 2019 on a per capita basis in cities with more than 20,000. The data looks at purchases of romance novels (both print and Kindle editions), romantic comedies, relationship books, jewellery and sexual wellness products.
Debalinhard is convinced “romance isn’t dead yet,” as her main demographic for customers to her store are people between the ages of 40 to 60.
“People are more comfortable … there’s lots of people coming out of their shell. Younger people might be more intimidated, especially if the relationship is new. With older couples, (visiting a sex store) keeps it spicy.”
Love is apparently in the air across the province, as North Vancouver, Vancouver, Langley and Port Coquitlam also claimed spots of the list.
LaSalle, Que., Fort McMurray, AB., North Vancouver and Spruce Grove, AB, rounded out the top five following the province’s capital city.
According to the online giant, Victoria, LaSalle and Fort McMurray took the top three spots with the most purchases in the jewellery category. Earrings were the most popular gift, making up 50 per cent of all jewellery purchases across Canada.
For the second year in a row, Pretty Woman starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts was the best-selling romantic movie.
As for the most-sold romantic book, the honour went to The All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness.
Rounding out the top ten cities (in order) are: Whitehorse, YK, Kelowna, Sherwood Park, AB, Courtenay and Bowmanville, ON.
erin.haluschak@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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