Florida retailers expecting a sweet Valentine’s Day despite pandemic

love_heart_valentines_valentines_day_red-722355
Although spending will be down, more than half of Florida consumers plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year.

Florida businesses are expected to feel the love this year for Valentine’s Day.

Although spending will be down, more than half of Florida consumers plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, according to new data released by the National Retail Federation.

Consumers plan to spend an average of $164.76 this Valentine’s Day, according to the survey. Nationwide spending projected to reach $21.8 billion, compared to $27.4 billion last year.

“After a difficult year, Floridians are looking forward to celebrating this Valentine’s Day,” Scott Shalley, the Florida Retail Federation CEO, said in a news release. “It’s the perfect time to show your spouse and other loved ones how much they are appreciated.”

The survey found that the pandemic may actually be helping the holiday — 73% of customers feel celebrating this year is important given the pandemic. Nothing brings people together like sheltering in place.

Although Valentine’s Day spending is down this year, shoppers still plan to invest in all kinds of relationships.

The NRF predicts $11.7 billion in spending dedicated to significant others/spouses, and about $10 billion on other relationships. This includes $5 billion in spending on other family members and children, $1.6 billion on friends, $1.3 billion on pets and $1.1 billion on coworkers.

So, who’s doing the spending?

The biggest spenders this Valentine’s Day will be those aged 35 to 44, similar to that of previous years. This age range plans to spend an average of $264 this year.

Younger lovebirds aged 25 to 34 are planning to spend $240 to celebrate the holiday.

Men and women are also expected to have different spending numbers, consistent with last year. Men are projected to spend $231 on average while women are projected to spend $101.

Valentine’s Day will be sweet this year for consumers.

More than half (54%) of spenders plan on buying candy, and 41% are planning a special dinner or celebration at home. About 44% of consumers will be purchasing cards and 36% plan on spending on flowers.

Only 24% of spenders anticipate an evening out, 21% are looking to buy gift cards and 18% will be purchasing jewelry.

Kelly Hayes

Kelly Hayes studied journalism and political science at the University of Florida. Kelly was born and raised in Tampa Bay. A recent graduate, she enjoys government and legal reporting. She has experience covering the Florida Legislature as well as local government, and is a proud Alligator alum. You can reach Kelly at [email protected].



#FlaPol

Florida Politics is a statewide, new media platform covering campaigns, elections, government, policy, and lobbying in Florida. This platform and all of its content are owned by Extensive Enterprises Media.

Publisher: Peter Schorsch @PeterSchorschFL

Contributors & reporters: Phil Ammann, Drew Dixon, Roseanne Dunkelberger, A.G. Gancarski, Anne Geggis, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, Cole Pepper, Gray Rohrer, Jesse Scheckner, Christine Sexton, Drew Wilson, and Mike Wright.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @PeterSchorschFL
Phone: (727) 642-3162
Address: 204 37th Avenue North #182
St. Petersburg, Florida 33704




Sign up for Sunburn


Categories