SPENDING FROM THE HEART
No doubt about it: On February 14, love is in the air.
No doubt about it: On February 14, love is in the air. More than 60% of consumers will celebrate Valentine's Day in some way, spending a total of $17 billion on flowers, candy, chocolate and other tokens of love.
Whether you have a special sweetheart to shop for or plan to celebrate February 14 on the town with your friends, our sweet Valentine's Day facts will get you in the mood for the big day.
By Elizabeth OdyPhotos compiled by Lisa Dixon
CHOCOLATE LOVE
Valentine's Day and chocolate candy go hand-in-hand. It's the largest boxed-chocolate holiday in the U.S., with 36 million boxes sold, according to the Chocolate Manufactuer's Association.
OH SUGAR, SUGAR
This year, shoppers are expected to spend more than $1 billion on Valentine's candy, up from $971 million in 2006.
That accounts for about one-third of candy sales for the whole year.
SWEET TALK
Number of conversation hearts produced for Valentine's this year: 8 billion, or enough to stretch from Rome, Italy, to Valentine, Arizona, and back 20 times, says the National Confectioner's Association.
Wondering how much that weighs? Candy manufacturer Necco figures 20 million pounds.
CAN'T BUY ME LOVE
Americans will spend an average of $120 per person to celebrate their love this Valentine's Day. Of that, $80 will be spent on significant others.
The average man expects to spend $156, nearly twice what the average woman plans to spend.
MY LOVE IS LIKEA RED, RED ROSE
Roses, the traditional symbol of love, remain the most popular Valentine's flower. The Society of American Florists reports that 189 million roses were produced last year for February 14.
Roses are followed in popularity by mixed flowers, then carnations. In all, nearly 60% of men plan to buy flowers for the big day this year.
VALENTINE IN A BOX
30% of men plan to buy jewelry for Valentine's Day. February purchases account for 8% of annual retail jewelry sales, according to the Jewelry Industry Research Institute.
HALLMARK'S DREAM
Valentine's Day is the second largest holiday for the greeting card industry (after Christmas).
If you don't make your own card, you'll have plenty to choose from. Hallmark makes 1,654 different varieties of Valentine's cards.
PUPPY LOVE
More than 9 million pet owners are expected to buy gifts for their pets this February 14. At www.petluvexpress.com, you can purchase an edible card made by Crunchkins that says "Just bepaws I love you."
Ten percent of engagements occur on February 14.
Number of marriages performed last Valentine's Day in Las Vegas: 1,228, four times the daily average.
