Is it just me, or does the number of jewelry, chocolate and flowers ads increase around this time every year? It makes me crave an entire bag of Hershey Kisses. Valentine’s Day is traditionally a romantic holiday devoted to celebrating your loved ones. You might exchange cards or surprise that someone with flowers. Or chocolates, jewelry, a giant teddy bear or some combination of the above. In recent years, Valentine’s Day has shifted toward commercialism, at least in my eyes. Cookware company Williams-Sonoma shared Valentine’s Day Pinterest wishes with customers via culinary flair printables (see right). Candy companies release “new” treats that are wrapped in pink foil and stamped with a rose or heart. I turned on my TV last night and the first commercial was from a flower company advertising a “special Valentine’s Day deal for your special someone.” Why all the advertisements? Because it works. Here are some fun facts: each year, nearly 8 billion Sweethearts Conversation Hearts are produced in the U.S. In 2010, Americans spent $375 million on flowers for their loved ones, $17 million on roses alone. Nearly $367 million is spent on pets each year. Dogs and cats need Valentines, too. And lastly, this year, Americans are expected to spend over $750 million on chocolate. That’s a lot of chocolate. It may be frustrating to see these ads all the time, but from a marketing standpoint, it’s genius. Companies and corporations picked an ideal time to capitalize on consumers and get them to spend. Red roses signify love and passion, making them a perfect gift for your honey. Flower retailers know this and use it to their advantage. Valentine’s Day is one of the heaviest chocolate-consuming holidays in the U.S., behind Christmas and Easter. Did corporations aid in this feat? There’s a good chance, I think. Total Valentine’s spending in 2013 reached $18.6 billion, an increase from 2012’s $17.6 billion. The average American spends about $134 a year on Valentine's Day gifts, according to the National Retail Federation. I’m interested to see what 2014 brings, and to see what the treats of choice are this year. Which companies and retailers will win out? We will know Feb. 15. The debate remains whether Valentine’s Day is a legitimate holiday, whether or not we need a special holiday to celebrate loved ones. If they’re that special, shouldn’t we celebrate them every day? But that’s a different conversation. Regardless of your feelings toward the holiday itself, companies will capitalize on Feb. 14, because it will work. And they know how many women love chocolate and flowers. I know I do. Edited by Melanie Ford, Webmaster and Editor-in-Chief 2013-2014
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