Let’s face it. Valentine’s Day can be more nerve-racking than heartwarming. What’s an appropriate gift? Should it be cute? Romantic? Nostalgic? How much should you spend? Commercials for vacation destinations, restaurants, jewelry, teddy bears, flowers, chocolates and even pajamas add to the pressure.
Maybe there’s safety in numbers. Breaking this commercial holiday down into percentages may just help you navigate it more confidently. According to a National Retail Federation survey, Valentine’s Day spending this year is projected to increase from previous years. While women tend to shop year-round, Valentine’s Day turns male shoppers into big spenders. Men are expected to spend an average $190.53 compared to women, who are projected to spend $96.58.
On average, the typical American celebrating Valentine’s Day will spend more than $142 in 2015, up from $134. That includes springing for candy, flowers, clothing, Valentines, and more. Total spending is projected to reach $18.9 billion, the highest since the federation began tracking in 2010.
The breakdown:
• 53 percent will buy candy, spending $1.7 billion total
• 38 percent will buy flowers, spending $2.1 billion
• 35 percent will plan a night out, spending $3.6 billion
• 21 percent will buy jewelry, spending $4.8 billion
• $1.5 billion will be spent on gift cards.
If all of this seems a bit much for you and your Valentine, deal/coupon website RetailMeNot found that 65 percent of respondents to its survey would prefer a low-key dinner to a meal at a fancy restaurant. In fact, one-third of RetailMeNot women just want to order takeout and stay home. (Take note: These are bargain-hunter females; they should not be confused with the “average” American female.)
Regardless, there are lots of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day while supporting local businesses in and around Garrettsville. Actress Monica Potter is opening her flagship store, Monica Potter Home, at 12724 State Route 88, from 10am to 6pm on Saturday. After meeting Monica, you might find the perfect gift for your sweetie among the personal care items, locally crafted home decor or specialty candles to be found there.
Go 2 Girls will also be having an open house at 10 am to 5pm on February 12, 13 and 14 at 8052 State Street, offering refreshments and a free gift raffle. Featuring “funky, fun and unique home furnishings,” Go 2 Girls is all about recycling, repurposing and restoring home decor for optimum beauty and function.
The Villager Emporium at 8088 Main Street is carrying an array of handcrafted gift items from local crafters. A new kids’ corner features hair bows, tutus, books by local children’s authors, and more. Villager Emporium has a line of gift items themed to the Garrettsville area including shirts, mugs and coaster sets. Included in the mix of items are handmade soy candles, as well as vegan lip balms; goats milk, cocoa butter and honey-based soaps; and a selection of aromatherapy candles — including one for sinus relief. Be sure to stop in on Saturday, February 14th from 10 am – 3 pm to check out what area crafters have to offer.
Second Style clothing resale boutique at 8098 Main Street has amazing offers for prom as well as father-daughter dance dresses. They are filling the racks with styles for Springtime, so just keep in mind the adage about the early bird…
All this shopping is bound to work up an appetite. Celebrate with someone special for Valentine’s Day with dinner and live music by Melissa Harvey at Candlelight Winery, 7:30-9:30pm, 11325 Center Rd. Dinner seatings will be available starting at 5pm. Cal’s, The Brick and other local restaurants have Valentine’s Day dinner specials planned for Saturday. Take your pick!
But all things aside, Valentine’s Day is about romantic love. Most people would probably agree that nothing is more priceless than your partner taking the extra effort to show the extent of their love and devotion — whether it’s having flowers delivered at your workplace, taking you away for a refreshing weekend, or simply offering to make dinner and clean the house so you don’t have to.
Hopefully, your Valentine knows you well enough to recognize what will make you happy on Valentine’s Day, whether or not that fits into any projection of average American spending probabilities.
