WASHINGTON -- The average person celebrating Valentine's Day in 2015 will spend $142.31 on candy, flowers, apparel and more, up from $133.91 last year, according to the National Retail Federation's Valentine's Day Consumer Spending Survey conducted by Prosper Insights and Analytics.
Total spending is expected to reach $18.9 billion, a survey high.
"It's encouraging to see consumers show interest in spending on gifts and Valentine's Day-related merchandise--a good sign for consumer sentiment as we head into 2015," said NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay. "Hoping to draw in eager shoppers, retailers will offer unique promotions on gifts, meal options at restaurants and even experiences."
While most consumers (53.2%) plan to buy candy for the sweet holiday, spending a total of $1.7 billion, one in five (21.1%) plans to buy jewelry for a total of $4.8 billion, the highest amount seen since NRF began tracking spending on Valentine's gifts in 2010.
Additionally 37.8% will buy flowers, spending a total of $2.1 billion, and more than one-third (35.1%) will spend on plans for a special night out, including movies and restaurants, totaling $3.6 billion. Celebrants will also spend nearly $2 billion on clothing and $1.5 billion on the gift that keeps on giving: gift cards.
The survey found nine in 10 (91%) plan to treat their significant others/spouses to something special for the consumer holiday, with plans to spend an average of $87.94 on them, up from $78.09 last year. Additionally, 58.7% will spend an average of $26.26 on other family members and $6.30 on children's classmates and teachers.
A record one in five (21.2%) say they will include Fluffy and Fido in their Valentine's Day plans, looking to spend a mere $5.28 on average--which equates to a whopping $703 million on pint-sized gifts of all varieties.
"It's great to see consumers coming out of their shell this year, looking to spend discretionary budgets on those they love once again, though I fully expect many to continue to look for ways to cut costs where they can," said Prosper's principal analyst Pam Goodfellow. "While many will splurge, some will still look for simple and affordable ways to show their appreciation for friends and family and celebrate in a way they are most comfortable with."
Discount (35.2%) and department stores (36.5%) will be among the most visited locations for those looking for the perfect Valentine's Day gift, as will specialty stores (19.4%) and florists (18.7%). One-quarter (25.1%) say they will shop online and 13.3% will shop at a local or small business to find something unique for their loved one.
It seems women are in for the biggest treat this Valentine's Day. Men will spend nearly double what women plan to spend ($190.53 versus $96.58 on average, respectively.) Additionally, adults 25 to 34 will outspend other age groups at an average of $213.04; 35 to 44 year olds will spend an average of $176.21 and 18 to 24 year olds will spend an average of $168.95.
Prosper Insights & Analytics polled 6,375 from January 6-13, 2015; the survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.3 percentage points.
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