Local businesses expect to rake in the usual profit this Valentine's Day season, despite a national survey predicting the average consumer will spend about $20 less on Valentine's Day gifts than in 2008.
Some Gainesville shop owners said their sales will not be affected by the poor economy, despite a survey by the National Retail Federation that predicts less will be spent.
Still, the survey revealed most Americans will continue to buy traditional holiday favorites, such as flowers.
A poll of about 8,850 U.S. consumers from Jan. 1 to Jan. 8 showed the average consumer plans to spend about $103 in light of the amorous holiday this year, down from last year's average of about $123 per person.
But Terri Parker, owner of The Flower Shop of Gainesville, said Valentine's Day flower sales haven't changed since last year.
Thornebrook Chocolates hasn't seen a change in sales either, said Ellen Frattino, a store employee who has worked there for more than two years.
"When it comes to chocolate, people aren't as thrifty," she said. "People get carried away with chocolate, and I don't think we have any differences in purchases."
Renaissance Jewelers' owner Robert Peace also said Valentine's Day sales have not differed from last year. He said the store has actually experienced increased customer traffic because it just relocated to the Westgate Regency Shopping Center.
According to the survey, the highest-spending age group, 35 to 44 years of age, plans to spend about $119 per person. Young adults, ages 18 to 24, will be the second-highest spenders, with an average of $114 per person.
UF freshman Micah Pastula said the current economic recession didn't affect his spendings because Valentine's Day is a special, once-a-year event.
Pastula said he bought his girlfriend a stuffed dog and a giant singing card. He also plans on serving up a homemade picnic dinner on the beach.
"If you like someone or something, then money shouldn't be a boundary," Pastula said.
