The Price of Love
By: Nate Potter
Updated: February 7, 2012
Love is in the air for retailers expecting Americans to spend a lot on their sweeties this Valentine's Day.
Love isn't cheap, not this valentine's day anyway, when Americans will shell out more than $17 billion to show their affection.
Coming off of a holiday season that was better than stores expected, Americans will spend an average of $126 per person - the highest amount since the National Retail Federation started their survey 10 years ago.
The average man will spend about $169, twice as much as the average woman, who will spend just over $85.
Among the most popular gifts:
Most americans will head to discount stores for their shopping, perhaps a sign that the economy is still on their minds. That's why retailers are expected to have special deals in store, on those items lovebirds seek most.
Continuing a trend from the holiday season shoppers will get help from gadgets.
Love isn't cheap, not this valentine's day anyway, when Americans will shell out more than $17 billion to show their affection.
Coming off of a holiday season that was better than stores expected, Americans will spend an average of $126 per person - the highest amount since the National Retail Federation started their survey 10 years ago.
The average man will spend about $169, twice as much as the average woman, who will spend just over $85.
Among the most popular gifts:
- More than half of Americans will buy candy.
- 36% will buy flowers
- 36% will spend money on a night on the town
- 19% will purchase jewelry
Most americans will head to discount stores for their shopping, perhaps a sign that the economy is still on their minds. That's why retailers are expected to have special deals in store, on those items lovebirds seek most.
Continuing a trend from the holiday season shoppers will get help from gadgets.
- One in five shoppers will look for gifts online.
- More than half of tablet owners are expected to use them to research prices, look for discounts, and purchase their gifts.
- 40% of smartphone users will do the same.
