Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and as you may know, it’s one of my favorite holidays! My husband and I are planning to go out to dinner, and as you can see from the data below, quite a few other people are also going out.
As you know, a lot of money is spent on Valentine’s Day gifts. According to the National Retail Federation, U.S. consumers are expected to spend an average $136.57, down from last year’s record-high $146.84. Total spending is expected to reach $18.2 billion, down from $19.7 billion last year, which was also a record. (These sales figures include purchases for significant others as well as friends, family members, and even pets.)
According to the NRF, these are the top purchases that people will make for Valentine’s Day:
- Candy (50% are planning to purchase; spending expected to be $1.7 billion)
- Greeting cards (47% percent; $1 billion)
- An evening out (37% percent; $3.8 billion)
- Flowers (35% percent; $2 billion)
- Jewelry (19% percent of shoppers; $4.3 billion)
- Clothing (19% percent; $1.9 billion)
- Gift cards/gift certificates (16% percent; $1.4 billion)
Here’s another interesting statistic I found (on statisticbrain.com): 53% of women surveyed said they would end their relationship if they didn’t get something for Valentine’s Day. Hmm, I’m not sure what to make of that!
I wish you all a very happy Valentine’s Day, and remember if you buy flowers, candy, or clothing, you can record these purchases, even if they don’t have a barcode. If you have a scanner, use the Barcode Reference Booklet. If you use the NCPMobile App, use the onboard Non-Barcoded Items Listing.
Have a great day!
I get our medications from CVSCaremark online pharmacy. I have been recording them on CVS,com as we spend a lot of $$ there. Is this correct or do you have a better alternative. I am unable to record purchases such as appliances, auto repairs and the like, as there are not barcodes for such items in the barcode book, does not matter if it is from a large chain or mom and pop shop. Any thoughts?
I have mentioned this before: Would like to see gift cards other than movie house cards in the gift catalog, cards to Amazon.com, restaurants, now that would some great gifts.
Hi, cvs.com is correct. If an item does not have a barcode, or it’s not listed in the Barcode Reference Booklet, you do not have to record it. While we want you to record everything we purchase, there are some items or services — like auto repairs, for instance — that we can’t track. We are also looking into expanding the types of gift cards we carry.
Thanks, and have a great day!
Seems everyone is getting into the blogging world. These are some crazy statistics. I told my husband I’d rather he buy me coffee over the weekend then to spend it on over priced candy and cards.
I”ve just discovered the blog and intend to be back now and again. – I live alone and did not do much for VDay. I sent my adult daughter a VDay card and intend to make a bigger fuss for her come Easter. I’m looking at a silver music box.
Thanks for making the circles to check on surveys a little larger. Makes it easier to do surveys. Why not make them even larger.
Also put several questions in surveys on the same page so we don’t have to spend so much time waiting for all the pages to upload.
I have been married for 38 years and this holiday is also not as important in my home. We have always exchanged cards, but I send cards to all my friends too.
“I don’t agree with that message, you can date your family or friends. You can celebrate valentines everyday!…”
Hi Taylor! Great Job! ?
Thank you! Really appreciate it!
I can’t believe the percentage that said they’d end their relationship if they didn’t receive anything. Pretty shallow, I think.
I know …
I love Valentine’s To but didn’t to much this time
I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy Valentine’s too much this year. I hope you find in yourself the Love that many think they can only find in someone else. Happy Valentine’s
For those of us who do not have a special someone it is the worst holiday of the year!
I use Valentines Day to show children that everybody needs love. I usually get permission from the principal of the local elementary school and I will go into the kindergarten and first grade classes, tell a little story to the children, give them each a big hug, a valentine and a chocolate chip cookie – which, of course, I tell them was baked with love, then I blow them a kiss as I leave their classroom. I start with the younger children and work my way up. One year, I actually got the whole scool covered. Alas, I am getting up in years and is not quite so easy for these old bones to get around. However, it still gives me great pleasure to hear the children talk about it and wave to me on their way home from school.
trouble spending my NCP earned points
Hi, please contact the PSC at 800-962-6700 or [email protected]. They’ll be happy to help you!