La Verne’s love does cost a thing
Campus Times
February 13, 2004
Every Feb. 14, numerous lovebirds from across the nation will flock together
for one romantic evening and celebrate their love for one another. These couples
will share a delicious dinner together. They will exchange gifts, cards and
flowers. They will toast champagne that they cannot afford. They will do it
in the name of love.
Each year men and women alike pocket out large amounts of money in order to
surprise their loved ones with gifts that will make them swoon.
According to the Annual Valentine’s Day survey reported by the Retail
Industry Leaders Association (RILA), shoppers plan to spend an average of $84.20
on their significant other, an 8 percent increase from last year’s findings.
RILA also found that consumers aged 18-24 plan to spend the largest amount,
an average of $183.80, suggesting that perhaps one can buy love.
What are these men and women getting in exchange for their hard-earned cash?
“The typical Valentine’s Day gift is a card, some candy and a stuffed
animal,” said Vanessa Lozano, manager of Carlton Cards located in the Montclair
Plaza.
Lozano and her staff are used to the Valentine’s Day rush; this year
will be no exception.
“Business is pretty constant throughout the weeks leading up to Valentine’s
Day. Two days before the big day is when it really hits,” Lozano said.
“All the last minute shoppers hit the stores, mostly the husbands that
kept putting it off.”
When a card and candy set gets stale, those with a little more money to squander
head to the more pricey places to pick out their gifts.
“Business has been pretty good and consistent around here,” said
Sara Kaymaz of Georgio Jewelers also located in the Montclair Plaza. “Our
average customer is spending around $500 a gift.”
Jewelry and Valentine’s Day go hand-in-hand, being that this is one of
the most popular days for marriage proposals.
“We get so many people asking us to assemble baskets with stuffed animals,
candy, and an engagement ring hidden inside,” Lozano said.
Lingerie is another popular gift this year, with men and women alike picking
out sexy sleep ensembles to surprise their loved ones.
“Women come by on the weekdays, men on the weekends. Most of them do
not have a spending limit,” said Marichelle Manhart of Victoria’s
Secret.
The industry that Valentine’s Day has become is pretty obvious. It is
a day not reserved for just telling someone you care about them, but proving
it to them with material possessions.
So, try not to fret if you are alone this Valentine’s Day. Cheer up and
hold your head high. At least you are not in debt.
