Spending more on your Valentine? You aren't alone

Whether it is a box of chocolates, a bouquet of flowers or an evening out, retailers and restaurants are banking on a big Valentine’s Day weekend.

Nationally, the average person will spend more than $116 on traditional Valentine’s Day merchandise this year, up 12.8 percent from last year’s $103, according to the National Retail Federation. Total Valentine’s Day spending is projected to hit $15.7 billion. That’s nearly three times the average amount spent on Halloween.

Greeting cards are expected to see the most sales, with 52 percent of those surveyed planning to pick up a card. Candy was second at 47.5 percent, followed by a near-tie between flowers, 34.3 percent, and an evening out, 34.6 percent.

Local restaurants and retailers also are projecting increased sales for the weekend leading up to Cupid’s Day.

Tables booked up fast atOrchids at Palm Courtin downtown Cincinnati. Charles Redmond , maître d’ of Orchids, said he has a waiting list 20 deep for Valentine’s Day. The restaurant has even reconfigured space to add more tables, but Saturday night is also booked up. He expects Friday night to sell out as well, and Sunday will be close to it.

Business for Valentine’s Day is up about 10 percent over last year, Redmond said. But he also said don’t let crowd deter you from trying to get in, as there are cancellations.

Nationally, those who plan on going out for the evening will spend an average of nearly $72, according to the NRF. That’s a total of roughly $3.4 billion.

Chocolate covered strawberries and turtle candies have been flying out the door atThe Fawn Confectionery’stwo locations. Kathy Guenther , vice president with Fawn, said Valentine’s Day is the third busiest holiday, behind the Christmas season and Easter.

She said customers will be in all weekend, but she expects male customers will be pouring in on Monday, Valentine’s Day.

Those planning to buy candy will spend a little less than $23, according to the survey.

And florists are busy getting roses ready. David Fisher , chief executive officer ofJones the Florist, said sales are up about 10 percent to 15 percent over last year’s Valentine’s Day week. The holiday volume is about four times higher than a normal week, Fisher said.

But people don’t have to stick to traditional gifts.White Castlewill continue its Valentine’s Day celebration, complete with reservations and candles. AndPapa John’swill be selling a heart-shaped pizza from Feb. 11 through Feb. 14.

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