Valentine’s Day is the day for lovers, but also the day for retailers and florists to cash-in.

  • Spending is a bit down, but candy is the biggest selling item this year
  • The least spent Valentine's Day present? Gift cards

Spending is actually down this year, according to a new survey from the National Retail Federation.

 

They found the average shopper will spend $136.57 this year for Valentine’s Day. That is down $10 from 2016, the first decline in spending in a decade.

But places like Flower No. 5 are still busy getting ready for the holiday.

“We’re not seeing it at all, it’s still busy, I think we are a little bit busier than we were last year,” said Bobby Belanger, one of the owners of Flower No. 5 in Orlando.

The florist shop will make hundreds of arraignments for customers.

“For us, (Valentine’s Day is) one third of our annual income,” said Belanger.

The survey found $18.2 billion will be spent on Valentine’s Day goodies this year.

So what is the most popular item?

Here is a breakdown of what people will be spending their money on:

  • 50 percent Candy
  • 47 percent Greeting Cards
  • 37 percent Evening Out
  • 35 percent Flowers
  • 19 percent Jewelry
  • 19 percent Clothes
  • 16 percent Gift Cards

Besides gifts for the significant other, buying Valentine’s presents for pets is popular.

An average of $4.44 will be spent on that furry friend.