Tallahassee, FL – Love is in the aisle at retailers across the Sunshine State. Cupid is working overtime as more than half of consumers (53%) plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year. According to a new survey by the National Retail Federation, consumers will spend $185.81 on average for the perfect heart-filled celebration.
“Consumers are celebrating more than just their significant others this Valentine’s Day,” said Scott Shalley, president and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation. “Shoppers are buying for family members and friends this year, and Florida retailers are ready to help shoppers ‘Find It In Florida’ when looking for the perfect gift for those they love.”
This year, Valentine’s Day is forecast to reach $14.2 billion in retail sales nationwide with new spending records for jewelry ($6.4 billion), flowers ($2.6 billion), clothing ($3 billion) and an evening out to celebrate ($4.9 billion).
The top seven Valentine’s Day gifts this year include:
- Candy – 57%
- Greeting cards – 40%
- Flowers – 39%
- An evening out – 32%
- Jewelry – 22%
- Clothing – 21%
- Gift card/gift certificate – 19%
While consumers plan to celebrate the special people in their lives, spending patterns reveal that shoppers will prioritize gifts or experiences for spouses or partners.
To find that perfect gift, most shoppers (40%) will browse online, while others (33%) plan to head to the department store or (30%) check out discount stores. Other shopping locations include:
- Florist – 17%
- Local/small business – 16%
- Specialty store – 16%
- Jewelry store – 13%
- Specialty clothing store – 10%
- Other – 8%
- Catalog – 2%
Even though not all shoppers plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, 29% will mark the occasion with a special event.
While shoppers look for the perfect Valentine, the Florida Retail Federation encourages consumers to “Find It In Florida” and support local retailers. Local retail boosts the local economy and supports community businesses. Learn more about the “Find It In Florida” program at the website.
For more information on the predictions of the National Retail Federation, visit: https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/valentines-day-spending-significant-others-reach-new-record-nrf-survey
ABOUT THE NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION
The National Retail Federation, the world’s largest retail trade association, passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail thrive. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $3.9 trillion to annual GDP and supporting one in four U.S. jobs – 52 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies.