Valentine's Day Retail Spending to Hit Record $14 Billion (2024)

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Money may not be able to buy you love, but Americans really do like to spend it on their loved ones for Valentine’s Day. Spending on the annual lover's day is expected to reach a record $14.2 billion in 2024

Isaac M. O'Bannon

Feb. 08, 2024

Valentine's Day Retail Spending to Hit Record $14 Billion (1)

Money may not be able to buy you love, but Americans really do like to spend it on their loved ones for Valentine’s Day. Spending on the annual lover’s day is expected to reach a record $14.2 billion in 2024, according to the annual survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.

“Retailers are ready to help customers this Valentine’s Day with meaningful and memorable gifts,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “With consumers prioritizing their spouse or significant other this year, retailers expect to see a shift in spending for certain gifting categories.”

The top gifts include candy (57%), greeting cards (40%), flowers (39%), an evening out (32%), jewelry (22%), clothing (21%) and gift cards (19%). New spending records are expected for jewelry ($6.4 billion), flowers ($2.6 billion), clothing ($3 billion) and an evening out ($4.9 billion).

Over half of consumers (53%) plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, on par with 52% last year. Overall, consumers plan to spend a total of $25.8 billion to celebrate Valentine’s Day, on par with last year’s spending and the third highest in the survey’s history. Sixty-two percent of consumers ages 25-34 plan to celebrate this year, more than any other age group.

Consumers expect to spend $185.81 each on average, nearly $8 more than the average Valentine’s Day spending over the last five years.

Last year, consumers used Valentine’s Day to celebrate all the special relationships in their lives – from pets to friends and co-workers – and their spending reflected that. This year, while consumers still value the non-romantic relationships in their lives, they are prioritizing gifts for significant others.

Online continues to be the most popular destination to shop for Valentine’s Day gifts at 40%, up from 35% last year. Consumers also plan to head to department stores (33%), discount stores (31%) and florists (17%).

“While shoppers may be spending the most on jewelry, overall, the most popular gifts are the classics – candy and greeting cards,” Prosper Insights & Analytics Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist said. “We’re also seeing continued interest in gifts of experience with about one-third of consumers planning to give a gift of experience this year.”

Among those not celebrating Valentine’s Day, 29% still plan to mark the occasion in some way. Many will treat themselves to something special, while others will plan a get-together or evening out with their single friends or family members.

The survey asked 8,329 adult consumers about their Valentine’s Day shopping plans. It was conducted Jan. 2-8 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.1 percentage points.

As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF provides data on consumer behavior and spending for key periods such as holidays throughout the year.

Valentine's Day Retail Spending to Hit Record $14 Billion (2024)

FAQs

Valentine's Day Retail Spending to Hit Record $14 Billion? ›

Money may not be able to buy you love, but Americans really do like to spend it on their loved ones for Valentine's Day. Spending on the annual lover's day is expected to reach a record $14.2 billion in 2024, according to the annual survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.

How much money is spent on Valentine's Day in the US? ›

U.S. consumers alone are expected to spend $25.8 billion on Valentine's Day this year, according to a survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.

How much money total is predicted to be spent for Valentine's Day? ›

Retailers and restaurants are ready to cash in on an expected $25.8 billion for Valentine's Day spending this year, including $14.2 billion consumers will spend on significant others, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). The total spending estimate is a bit less than the $25.9 billion reported in 2023.

How many million pounds of chocolate are sold in the US during the week of Valentine's Day? ›

Of the 58 million pounds of chocolate purchased during the week of Valentine's Day, heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, Hershey's Kisses and M&Ms are at the top of the shopping list, according to annual research from sweets retailer CandyStore.com.

What are total sales in the retail industry that can be attributed to Valentine's Day? ›

WASHINGTON – Valentine's Day spending is expected to reach $23.9 billion this year, up from $21.8 billion in 2021 and the second-highest year on record, according to the annual survey released today by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.

What are the top 7 best selling products or services for Valentine's Day? ›

What to Sell on Valentine's Day?
  • Chocolates/Sweets. Nearly 30% of US adults wished to receive chocolate and sweets on this occasion. ...
  • Flowers. How can we celebrate Valentine's Day without a luxurious bouquet of roses? ...
  • Gift Cards/Vouchers. ...
  • Clothing. ...
  • Perfumes. ...
  • Valentine's Day Cards. ...
  • Jewelry. ...
  • Lingerie.
Jan 16, 2024

Who profits the most from Valentine's Day? ›

Flower companies profit enormously. Throughout the year, Americans purchase flowers for occasions including Mother's Day, Easter and New Year's Day. For Valentine's Day, Americans go big — and in 2024, they're expected to spend $2.6 billion on flowers and floral arrangements.

How much will Valentine's Day shopping add to the economy? ›

Valentine's Day Is an Economic Engine

The National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates that 53% of consumers plan to celebrate Valentine's Day, and $25.8 billion will be spent on the holiday this year, or about $185.81 per household.

How much money do individuals typically spend each Valentine's Day according to the National Retail Foundation? ›

Consumers expect to spend $185.81 each on average, nearly $8 more than the average Valentine's Day spending over the last five years. Last year, consumers used Valentine's Day to celebrate all the special relationships in their lives – from pets to friends and co-workers – and their spending reflected that.

How much does the average person spend on Valentine's Day 2024? ›

The National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates that consumers will spend a record $25.8 billion, an average of $185.81 per person, on Valentine's Day in 2024.

Which president lost his wife on Valentine's Day? ›

Death. Roosevelt languished for several hours while her husband held her; dying the afternoon of February 14, 1884, from undiagnosed kidney failure. It was determined that her pregnancy had masked the illness.

What is the dark truth about Valentine's Day? ›

One Valentine was a priest in third-century Rome who defied Emperor Claudius II after the ruler outlawed marriage for young men. St. Valentine would perform marriages in secret for young lovers, ultimately leading to his death.

Who buys the most Valentine's Day cards? ›

Over 50 percent of all Valentine's Day cards are purchased in the six days prior to the holiday. Teachers receive the most Valentine's Day cards, followed by children, mothers, wives and husbands, sweethearts and pets.

What industries benefit most from Valentine's Day? ›

Mom-and-pop restaurants, local flower shops and small jewelry stores are the ones that really benefit from this holiday,” said Mamun. “There are even customizable candy shops with products you can write a name on.” Despite the benefits to the economy, it is important to note that love should not be measured in gifts.

How much do Americans spend on Valentine's Day 2024? ›

The National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates that consumers will spend a record $25.8 billion, an average of $185.81 per person, on Valentine's Day in 2024. It is no wonder that US retailers love the holiday. So, who was this Saint Valentine to whom they owe the windfall?

How much money is spent in the USA each year from the sale of Valentine's Day roses? ›

Given the average price in supermarkets over the whole year for a dozen roses was a bit over $12, this means people in the U.S. are spending more than $3 billion annually.

How much will Valentine's Day contribute to the economy? ›

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), 62% of consumers ages 25-34 plan to celebrate Valentine's Day in 2024. The projected total in general for spending is $25.8 billion, while the projection for spending specifically on significant others is $14.2 billion.

Which country spent the most on Valentine's Day? ›

Hong Kong couples spend the most on Valentine's Day in the world, according to Statista report. 14th February 2023 – (Hong Kong) The National Retail Federation predicts that total spending on Valentine's Day will rise 8 percent to US$2.6 billion this year, making it the second-largest year on record.

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