DSN CHARTS: Valentine's Day Shopping - Brief Article

Discount Store News, Feb 7, 2000

GENDER

Women

* Average Valentine's budget: $56

* Most plan to shop at discount stores (40%) with specialty stores a distant second choice (19%)

* Most will have their shopping done before Feb. 14 (72%)

* Most will but candy (28%) and cards (26%)

* More than one-third (36%) prefer romantic cards.

* Many buy for a range of people, including their husbands (44%), kids (33.5%), adult children (14.4%), parents (13%), boyfriends (13%) and grandchildren (5%).

Men

* Average Valentine's budget: $119

* Most plan to shop at specialty stores & florists (30%)

* One-quarter won't shop until Feb. 13 or 14

* Most will buy flowers (28%), candy (23%), cards (17.6%) and jewelry (10%)

* Most will buy gifts for wives (66%) or girlfriends (22%)

Source: IMRA

The perky economic climate promises to carry over to Valentine's Day this year. A recent survey by the international Mass Retail Association found that consumers plan to increase their overall spending for the holiday by about 21%. Although the $77.43 average budget for Valentine's 2000 is higher than last year, it still falls below the 1998 average of $95.32.