New York, February 14: Cupid is in the air. Alas! So are recession and the resultant frugality. According to estimates given by the National Retail Federation of America, consumers will, on average, spend $20.00 less than last year on valentines.
Well! It’s up to you to see whether the glass is half empty or half full. Even with an attenuation budget, the American consumers are likely to dole out an average of $102.00 on valentines gifts.
"Retailers are learning this year the cupid is not necessarily recession proof," said Ellen Davis of the National Retail Federation.
So while diamonds and items that weigh heavily on the pocket are likely to take the back seat; chocolates, candlelit dinners and flowers are expected to take centre stage and hog the limelight on this year’s valentine.
And the sellers are out there to woo the customers by offering freebies, add-ons and discounts. "Date Night", a sumptuous dinner and two romantic independent movies in the cozy comfort of the home is available from The Seattle Chocolate Co.
CEO of the Chocolate Company, Jean Thompson maintains, "That was our little recession idea. It's better than what you can get at the movie theater eating Junior Mints, and it's less expensive.”
That’s the way to go, avers Palio D’Asti’s Dan Scherotter in San Francisco, "You have to take advantage of it. People are spending less money but they still have to eat."
It is expected that the flower business will rock this year as the number of people spending on flowers is likely to remain the same as last year. To make sure that the biggest day of the year for them is not a flop show, the florists are taking precautions.
"What we tried to do was have flowers that are available that are less expensive like the tulips and different kinds of really cool flowers, but people don't have to spend a ton of money to send something." said a Hillsboro Nashville florist.
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