Baker Declares Next Week “Valentine’s Week”

Snowed in on Valentine's Day?

No problem says Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, who on Friday proclaimed ``Valentine's Week'' in an effort to help restaurants and small businesses feeling the pinch from the recent onslaught of snow.

The administration is hoping the declaration will encourage people to celebrate the holiday and show love for their local merchants by purchasing gifts and dining out all next week.

Business groups say weather-related travel woes have cut into sales by up to 80 percent for some Massachusetts businesses leading up to Valentine's Day, a holiday they say usually generates about $500 million in business.

Another major storm expected to begin on Valentine's Day on Saturday could lead to canceled dinner reservations. A blizzard warning for eastern Massachusetts takes effect at 7 p.m. Saturday.