PLANS FOR A SWEET DAY

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Feb 11, 2009 | by BILL RADFORD

The dismal economy could throw Cupid's aim off a bit this Valentine's Day.

Americans are looking to shave their Valentine's spending, the National Retail Federation reports. Consumers plan to spend an average $102.50 on Valentine's gifts and merchandise this year, down from last year's $122.98 per person.

Local businesses that benefit from Valentine's spending, though, are hoping for -- and planning for -- a sweet holiday:

PLATTE FLORAL: Valentine's Day is typically the biggest single day for the florist, owner Mel Tolbert said. The recession may dampen demand for more luxurious gifts, he said, "but flowers

-- are still very affordable."

If people buy less grand bouquets this year, it may not be a result of the economy but because Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday, he said. "The competition in the office to see who gets the nicest bouquet, there isn't that this year b e c a u s e people don't work on Saturdays usually."

PATSY'S CANDIES:?. Valentine's is a big holiday for the local candymaker, though Christmas is bigger, said Annette Niswonger, one of the family owners. Patsy's revved up production for Valentine's "right around Jan. 10," Niswonger said, and that production hasn't been scaled back from previous years.

"I'm looking forward to a good season here," she said.

THE MELTING POT:?. The fondue restaurant is serving a four- course Valentine's Day meal for $115 per couple; it includes a goody bag with items such as a keepsake metal frame with photo and chocolates from Patsy's Candies. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner on Valentine's and is booked up for the day, hostess Amanda Hart said.

"We were actually booked for Valentine's Day right around the 17th or 18th of January," she said.

THE BROADMOOR:?. The resort's Valentine's Escape -- which includes champagne and chocolates at turndown -- is sold out for Saturday, though there may be nights before and after available, spokeswoman Allison Scott said.

"I think people are ready to smile and people are ready to enjoy a hug and a kiss and a little bit of light and romance," she said.

LUISA GRAFF JEWELERS:?.

Business is typically brisk around Valentine's, owner Luisa Graff said, but people don't spend as much money as they do for, say, Christmas or events such as special anniversaries.

"It's a celebration where people are looking for something that is beautiful, makes a splash, creates a memory but is not very expensive," she said. So she has emphasized value, advertising "100 items under $100."

Business last month exceeded expectations but suffered some in December, Graff said -- perhaps because of jewelers that are now gone.

"There have been a lot of going-out-of-business sales and that has hurt us," Graff said. "But ultimately it will help us because people know we are stable."

FORECAST

According to a consumer survey conducted by BIGresearchfor the National Retail Federation:

Valentine's Day spending is expected to reach $14.7 billion.

Most people will still buy traditional favorites even though they plan to spend less. Over one-third (35.7 percent) of people will buy flowers, nearly the same as last year's 35.9 percent, and 16 percent will buy jewelry, compared with 16.6 percent in 2008. More people will send greeting cards than they did last year (58 percent vs. 56.8 percent in 2008).

The majority of people (90.8 percent) will spend the most on their spouse ($67.22), with other family members such as children getting about one-fifth of their budget ($20.95). Consumers will also spend on friends ($4.74), children's classmates/teachers ($3.59), co-workers ($1.94) and pets ($2.17).