Love is in the air this time of year and Americans are planning to show they care with a record amount of spending. The National Retail Federation expects people to spend $27.4 billion this Valentine's Day, up more than 30 percent from last year's record of $20.7 billion.
"Consumers spent freely during the 2019 winter holidays and they appear ready to do the same in the new year," NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said in a statement.
"The same strong employment numbers and higher wages that boosted holiday sales should make it easier to spend a little extra to say 'I love you' this year and to spread the gift-giving beyond just your significant other."
Spend they will, and not just a little. Those celebrating the holiday said they plan to spend, on average, nearly $200, up from last year's average of $161.96, with more than half of it going to spouses and significant others.
Ten years ago, 61 percent of spending went to romantic partners on Valentine's Day, down to only 52 percent this year.
What hasn't changed is how much men spend versus women. This year, like every year since NRF began surveying shoppers 10 years ago, men will outspend women. $291.15 to $106.22.
Pets are also feeling the love this year. "We've always heard of puppy love, but pets are definitely seeing a larger share of Valentine's Day spending," Prosper Insights Executive Vice President Phil Rist said.
International Master Alice Lee defeated grandmaster Irina Krush to win the American Cup – becoming one of the best women players in the world in the process – but she’s not stopping there.
You can track your sleep habits or heart rate, but how about your brain? Neurable's MW75-Neuro headphones turn your focus and productivity into data you can use to avoid burnout – here's how they do it.
Whether it’s a deepfake video of actor Tom Cruise discovering gum in a lollipop or President Joe Biden discouraging people from voting via telephone, you’ve likely come across a deepfake video, photo or audio recording.
Tensions in the South China Sea, Apple moving to India, and banning TikTok? The podcast ‘Face Off: The U.S. Versus China’ helps explain how we got here.
Cust2Mate is a leading innovator in retail technology, aiming to revolutionize the shopping experience. By implementing smart cart technology, the tech company addresses the issue of theft while enhancing the shopper's journey.
The Biden administration has unveiled a plan, Plan B, to address the student loan debt crisis. It offers to cancel up to $20,000 in interest for borrowers enrolled in income-driven repayment plans. This proposal aims to reset balances for those facing growing debt due to unpaid interest, benefiting low—and middle-income borrowers. An estimated 25 million borrowers are eligible for some form of interest forgiveness.
As we head into the second quarter, there’s an argument in favor of buying Boeing stock. Why? As one expert says, ‘there’s nowhere else to get planes.’
