Valentine's by the numbers

GLOBAL VALENTINES

An interactive map allows users to explore Valentine's customs around the world.

Interactive Valentines Map

CONSUMER SPENDING

Valentine's Day spending in the United States is expected to top $17.6 billion, according to new survey results released by the National Retail Federation.

Spending is expected to be highest on jewelry ($4.1 billion) followed by $3.5 billion on a date, $1.8 billion on flowers, $1.5 billion on candy, with the balance accounted for by clothing, gift cards, and other items.

That works out to $126 per person celebrating the holiday. This is an 8.5 percent increase over spending in 2012, and the highest in the survey's decade-long history.

"...the average person planning to spend $74.12 on their spouse or significant other, up from $68.98 last year. Additionally, consumers will spend and average of $25.25 on their children, parents or other family members and $6.92 on friends. Valentine’s Day is a great day for pet owners to show their furry friends just how much they mean: the average person will spend about $4.52 on their pets."

Source: National Retail Federation 2012 Valentine’s Day Consumer Intentions and Actions survey


FLOWER POWER

U.S. producers sold more than $18 million in cut roses in 2011 (estimated wholesale value for all operations with $100,000 or more in sales).
Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Floriculture Crops 2011 Summary

To support holiday spending, shoppers can choose from nearly 24,000 jewelry stores and more than 16,000 florists nationwide.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns


SWEET TOOTH

To satisfy millions of sweet-toothed customers, the NECCO candy company produces approximately 100,000 pounds of Sweethearts conversation hearts each day for 11 months of the year.

This adds up more than 8 billion heart-shaped candies annually.
Source: New England Confectionery Company

A 2009 study from Nielsen research showed that Valentines week accounts for more than 5 percent of annual chocolate sales.
Source: Nielsen