Valentine’s Day isn’t just for your partner anymore. The consumer-friendly holiday has always been a good time of year for people looking for ways to display their love. Whether you’re buying for a friend, a child or even yourself one thing is certain, February 14th is good for the economy. 

Sorry men, you’re still on the hook

WalletHub estimates Americans spend on average $25.8 billion on Valentine’s Day–related goods and services —and 2024 is expected to be no different. A survey from the personal finance website found that 45% of consumers were likely to spend at least $50 on a gift this year. Unsurprisingly, men are expected to spend twice as much as women, with an expected $6.4 billion going to jewelry alone.

Diet? What diet?

For those not looking to break the bank there’s always chocolate. According to BankRate, last year saw 57% of shoppers purchasing from the candy aisle on Valentine’s Day. Bankrate also found that sweets were the most popular gift in 2023, with experts predicting that trend to continue this year. Sadly, chocolate is seeing a rise in prices due to issues in global cocoa production, particularly in West Africa, where 60% of cocoa production takes place.

You can buy yourself flowers. You can also buy them for someone else.

The National Retail Federation predicts 37% of consumers will turn to roses, lilies, or carnations for loved ones. 

But I’m single: What am I supposed to do? (And why have I read this far?)

Don’t assume all businesses are counting you out. Dating services are well aware this is when most people are hoping to swipe right and make that connection. Online dating activity usually spikes around 33% between February 1 and February 14, according to WalletHub, with many looking for a romantic partner as the holiday approaches. And for the dating apps, that spells revenue! The projected global dating service market size is set to reach an astounding $23.8 billion by 2032.


Sign Up for the Need2Know Newsletter

Every weekday we’ll send you the stories you need to start your day with confidence.


Share:
More In Business
Poll: More Americans think companies benefit from legal immigration
A new poll finds U.S. adults are more likely than they were a year ago to think immigrants in the country legally benefit the economy. That comes as President Donald Trump's administration imposes new restrictions targeting legal pathways into the country. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey finds Americans are more likely than they were in March 2024 to say it’s a “major benefit” that people who come to the U.S. legally contribute to the economy and help American companies get the expertise of skilled workers. At the same time, perceptions of illegal immigration haven’t shifted meaningfully. Americans still see fewer benefits from people who come to the U.S. illegally.
Tylenol maker rebounds a day after unfounded claims about its safety
Shares of Tylenol maker Kenvue are bouncing back sharply before the opening bell a day after President Donald Trump promoted unproven and in some cases discredited ties between Tylenol, vaccines and autism. Trump told pregnant women not to use the painkiller around a dozen times during the White House news conference Monday. The drugmaker tumbled 7.5%. Shares have regained most of those losses early Tuesday in premarket trading.
Load More