Valentine’s Day spending estimated to total $25.8 billion - Talk Business & Politics (2024)

Retailers and restaurants are ready to cash in on an expected $25.8 billion for Valentine’s Day spending this year, including $14.2 billion consumers will spend on significant others, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF).

The total spending estimate is a bit less than the $25.9 billion reported in 2023. The trade group said 53% of consumers plan to celebrate the holiday this year, down from 57% in 2023. The survey conducted by Prosper Insights found 63% of consumers between the ages of 25-to-34 plan to celebrate this year, more than any other age group.

Consumers expect to spend $185.81 each on average, nearly $8 more than the average Valentine’s Day spending over the last five years, according to the survey.

“Retailers are ready to help customers this Valentine’s Day with meaningful and memorable gifts,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “With consumers prioritizing their spouse or significant other this year, retailers expect to see a shift in spending for certain gifting categories.”

The top gifts include candy as 57% of consumers plan to give confectionary gifts. A large box of candy, including sugar-free varieties can be purchased for under $20. Greeting cards are also an expected to be a top seller with 40% of consumers making this purchase.Flowers are also popular with 39% planning to surprise a loved one with a bouquet of fresh flowers. A dozen roses delivered on Valentine’s Day from 1-800-Flowers will cost just under $100 this year. The total spend on flowers is estimated at $2.6 billion, up 3% year over.

About one-third (32%) of consumers plan to go out on Valentine’s Day for dinner and other activities for a total spend of $4.9 billion, which would be up 2% year over year. Consumers will likely see higher menu prices at restaurants compared with 2023. The National Restaurant Association reports menu prices rose 8.4% in 2022 and another 5.2% in 2023 for a two-year increase of 13.6%.

Another22% said they will purchase jewelry for what could be a record spend of $6.4 billion, and 21% will purchase clothes for an estimated total spend of $3 billion, while 19% will rely on gift cards.

“While shoppers may be spending the most on jewelry, overall, the most popular gifts are the classics – candy and greeting cards,” said Phil Rist, head of strategy at Prosper Insights & Analytics.

He said consumers are also being more deliberate with their spending compared to a year ago when they sought to purchase gifts for pets, co-workers and friends. This year the consumer gift-giving has shifted to spouses or significant others.

Bankrate.com noted that expressing undying love for a sweetheart on Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to break the bank. The financial guidance website suggests consumers who want to go out for the evening take advantage of gift cards they might have received for Christmas, noting that it’s easy to forget about them. Bankrate reports 47% of U.S. adults have at least one unused gift card with an average value of $187 per person.

Other money-saving suggestions include sticking to budget, redeeming credit card rewards to help pay for the purchase, celebrating at home with a romantic dinner cooked in-house, or getting takeout and making mixed drinks at home.

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Valentine’s Day spending estimated to total $25.8 billion - Talk Business & Politics (2024)

FAQs

Valentine’s Day spending estimated to total $25.8 billion - Talk Business & Politics? ›

Overall, consumers plan to spend a total of $25.8 billion to celebrate Valentine's Day, on par with last year's spending and the third highest in the survey's history. Sixty-two percent of consumers ages 25-34 plan to celebrate this year, more than any other age group.

How much money is estimated to be spent on Valentine's Day? ›

Retailers and restaurants are ready to cash in on an expected $25.8 billion for Valentine's Day spending this year, including $14.2 billion consumers will spend on significant others, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). The total spending estimate is a bit less than the $25.9 billion reported in 2023.

What are 8 billion of these produced annually for Valentine's Day? ›

There are enough candy hearts made each year to stretch from Valentine, Arizona to Rome, Italy, and back again. The number of these candy hearts produced is approximately 8 billion.

How much are consumers expected to spend in total on Valentine's Day in 2024? ›

The National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates that consumers will spend a record $25.8 billion, an average of $185.81 per person, on Valentine's Day in 2024. It is no wonder that US retailers love the holiday.

What is the predicted overall economic impact of Valentine's Day? ›

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), 62% of consumers ages 25-34 plan to celebrate Valentine's Day in 2024. The projected total in general for spending is $25.8 billion, while the projection for spending specifically on significant others is $14.2 billion.

What factors influence consumer spending during Valentine's Day? ›

Observations also show a correlation between price and perceived quality, with some customers willing to splurge to please their significant other. Marketing communications foster a sense of togetherness for some, portraying images of couples participating in shared activities and experiences.

How much money do companies make on Valentine's Day? ›

Valentine's Day spending surges

Customers spent over $23 billion in 2022 on Valentine's Day shopping and that number is anticipated to go up to nearly $26 billion this Valentine's Day, per a National Retail Federation survey.

What are the top 7 best selling products or services for Valentine's day? ›

What to Sell on Valentine's Day?
  • Chocolates/Sweets. Nearly 30% of US adults wished to receive chocolate and sweets on this occasion. ...
  • Flowers. How can we celebrate Valentine's Day without a luxurious bouquet of roses? ...
  • Gift Cards/Vouchers. ...
  • Clothing. ...
  • Perfumes. ...
  • Valentine's Day Cards. ...
  • Jewelry. ...
  • Lingerie.
Jan 16, 2024

Who started Valentine's day? ›

Oruch, a University of Kansas English professor, determined that Chaucer was the first to link love with St. Valentine in his 14th-century works "The Parliament of Fowls" and "The Complaint of Mars," notes the Times. Therefore, Oruch claimed, Chaucer invented Valentine's Day as we know it today.

Why is Valentine's day important? ›

The 8th-century Gelasian Sacramentary recorded the celebration of the Feast of Saint Valentine on February 14. The day became associated with romantic love in the 14th and 15th centuries, when notions of courtly love flourished, apparently by association with the "lovebirds" of early spring.

What are the top 3 items consumers buy for Valentine's day? ›

Beyond The Classic Heart-Shaped Bouquet And Chocolates

While flowers, candy and greeting cards still top the list of main gifts, younger generations are shifting the way Valentine's Day is being celebrated, looking beyond traditional gifts.

How much did it cost to make Valentine's day? ›

How does Valentine's Day affect people? ›

The psychological effects of Valentine's Day can vary widely depending on individual experiences and circ*mstances. For some, the holiday may serve as a source of joy and connection, strengthening bonds with loved ones. For others, it may exacerbate feelings of loneliness, isolation, or unworthiness.

How much will the average American spend on Valentine's Day? ›

SALT LAKE CITY — According to the National Retail Federation, the average American will spend about $185 celebrating Valentine's Day this year. The nation as a whole spends an estimated $25.8 billion.

How long does Valentine's Day boost the economy for? ›

One small winery called Sleepy Jean's Confections is partnering with other small florists and chocolatiers to sell more products overall. If the product can appear more personal to the consumer, then they are more likely to buy it on an emotional holiday. Overall, Valentine's Day boosts the economy for about 24 hours.

How much did it cost to make Valentine's Day? ›

What is the estimated total spending on jewelry on Valentine's Day? ›

Consumers will spend a record-breaking $6.4 billion on Valentine's Day jewelry purchases this year, according to a recent survey from the National Retail Federation. The annual survey shows that total Valentine's Day spending in the U.S. will reach $14.2 billion, another record, INSTORE Magazine reported Jan.

How do you budget for Valentines Day? ›

Celebrating Valentine's Day on a budget doesn't have to disappoint.
  1. 1| Weekend Away At InTown Suites.
  2. 2| Flowers From The Heart.
  3. 3| Valentine's Day Scavenger Hunt.
  4. 4| Recreate Special Memories.
  5. 5| Best Friends Date Night.
  6. 6| Share Love Notes & Memories.
  7. 7| Create An Edible Bouquet.
  8. 8| Valentine's Day Playlist.

Why is Valentine's Day expensive? ›

“Valentine's Day is a one-day opportunity. So sellers almost need a higher markup on the candy items to justify stocking the specially-packaged products,” Talbott said. At the same time, plenty of shoppers will likely not even be thinking about the price as Feb.

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