Most people say, 'I don't do plants.' Listen, two ice cubes a week you can do plants.
U.S. consumers Valentine’s Day spending plans:
• $4.3 billion on jewelry (given by 19 percent of shoppers)• $3.8 billion on an evening out (37 percent)• $2 billion on flowers (35 percent)• $1.9 billion on clothing (19 percent)• $1.7 billion on candy (50 percent)• $1.4 billion on gift cards/gift certificates (16 percent)• $1 billion on greeting cards (47 percent).Source: National Retail Federation’s annual Valentine’s Day survey
Where U.S. consumers will shop on Valentine’s Day
› Department stores (35 percent)› Discount stores (32 percent)› Online (27 percent)› Specialty stores (18 percent)› Florists (18 percent)› Local small businesses (15 percent)Source: National Retail Federation’s annual Valentine’s Day survey
The Beatles didn't care too much for money, of course, because "money can't buy me love."
That song is right in tune with Valentine's Day this year, since the National Retail Federation says that after a decade-long increase in spending, a "market correction" will come.
U.S. consumers are expected to spend an average $136.57 for Valentine's Day, the federation predicts, down from last year's record-high $146.84. Total spending is expected to reach $18.2 billion, down from the record high $19.7 billion spent last year.
"Valentine's Day continues to be a popular gift-giving occasion even if consumers are being more frugal this year," NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said.
Roses are the most popular Valentine's Day flower, florists say. But succulents, drought-resistant, fleshy, water-storing plants, are taking off as a Valentine's Day gift, said Sue Chamberlain, who's in charge of social media and marketing at The Barn Nursery alongside Interstate 24 near Fourth Avenue.
"It is the trendiest thing," Chamberlain said. "Roses are so old-fashioned now."
The Barn Nursery just got in a shipment of succulents grown in Maryville, Tenn., she said. Succulents at The Barn Nursery range in price from $3.99 for an "itty bitty" to $69.99 for a fancier arrangement.
Advantages of succulents include that you can buy them ahead of Valentine's Day, Chamberlain said, and they don't require much care - just two ice cubes a week to keep them watered.
"You can buy them this weekend; you don't have to wait in line Tuesday, which is Valentine's Day," she said. "Most people say, 'I don't do plants.' Listen, two ice cubes a week - you can do plants."
Also popular this year, the retail federation says, are "gifts of experience" such as tickets to a concert or sporting event, a gym membership or an outdoor adventure. However, while 40 percent of consumers want an experience gift, only 24 percent plan to give one.
"It is a busy time of year and we do sell plenty of gift certificates for Valentine's Day," said Amber Harris, assistant manager at the Massage Heights franchise that opened in January 2015 in Northgate Mall.
This year's survey found consumers plan to spend an average of $85.21 on their significant other/spouse, $26.59 on other family members such as children or parents, $6.56 on children's classmates/teachers, $6.51 on friends, $4.27 on co-workers, and $4.44 on pets.
Nooga Paws, a pet store that's been open for about five years at the 2 North Shore retail center on Manufacturers Road anchored by Whole Foods, has specialty iced cookies for Valentine's Day along with pink packaged treats and red-and-pink toys.
"The cookies are something that we probably will run out of before Valentine's Day," said Nooga Paws staff member Caitlin Hyma.
Contact staff writer Tim Omarzu at tomarzu@timesfreepress.com or www.facebook.com/MeetsForBusiness or on Twitter @meetforbusiness or 423-757-6651.