Couples will spend an average of $63.34 on gifts for their significant other or spouse, compared to $67.22 last year, according to the National Retail Federation's 2010 Valentine's Day Consumer Intentions & Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch. The average person will spend $103 on traditional Valentine's Day merchandise this year, [image-nocss] similar to last year's $102.50. Total holiday spending is expected to reach $14.1 billion.
With Americans cutting back on the amount they spend on their significant other, friends and co-workers can expect a little bit more this year. The average person will spend $5.37 on friends, up from $4.74 last year; $4.29 on classmates and teachers, compared to $3.59 last year; and $2.84 on co-workers, slightly up from the $1.94 they spent in 2009. Family pets will also feel the love this year with the average person spending $3.27 on them, up from $2.17 last year. Spending on family members will remain the same ($20.94 vs. $20.95 last year).
As in previous years, men will spend nearly twice the amount women spend on the holiday. The average man plans to shell out $135.35 to impress the people in his life while women only expect to spend $72.28.
Personal and practical gifts will resonate with celebrants again this year as more people will look to sweaters, winter accessories and other clothing options (14.4% vs. 10.2% in 2009) in place of jewelry (15.5% vs. 16.0% last year) or an evening out (35.6% vs. 47.0% in 2009.) Traditional gifts such as greeting cards (54.9%), candy (47.2%) and flowers (35.6%) remain popular choices.
Meanwhile, Terrible's Car Wash is offering its Terrible's Car Wash! MVP (Monthly Value Plan) gift cards as "the perfect gift for every love in your life: mom, dad, husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, kids, boss, everyone" for Valentine's Day.
Terrible's MVP 30-day car wash gift cards are available now at every Terrible's Car Wash location or online at www.terriblesmvp.com, the company said. Prices start at $15.99.
Las Vegas-based Terrible Herbst Inc. consists of more than 18 car washes, 19 lube locations and more than 100 convenience store/gas stations in the Las Vegas area.
Deerfield, Ill.-based Walgreen Co. has transforming its 26,000 beauty advisors at its Walgreens drug stores into "Personal Gift Advisors" to help last-minute shoppers find the perfect gift. Walgreen operates 7,149 drug stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
And Chef Point Cafelocated inside a Conoco gas station and convenience store in Watauga, Texasgave away a Valentine's Day prize package worth almost $400. It included a bottle of wine from Wine Styles of Watauga , a gift certificate worth $200 for a "Romance Retreat Couples Massage" from Alleia Spa of Fort Worth, one night stay at the Hampton Inn and dinner from Chef Point delivered to the hotel.
It is also offering a special Valentine's Day men featuring escargot, duck confit, prime rib and steak and lobster. Dessert choices include chocolate mousse and the restaurant's famous bread pudding.
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