SAEDNEWS: The Days Leading Up to Valentine’s Day
According to Saed News’ social affairs service, citing Etemaad Online, Valentine’s Day is considered an intangible cultural phenomenon in many countries—yet it is widely discussed. Behind the beautifully decorated storefronts, with the scent of love spreading across the globe, what truths remain hidden? And who truly “wins” this love contest?
$26 Billion Spent in a Single Day
While most Americans buy gifts for loved ones on Valentine’s Day, many companies closely monitor the revenue generated by these purchases.
According to the annual NRF and Prosper Insights & Analytics survey, 50% of people in the United States celebrate Valentine’s Day. In 2024, spending is estimated to average $185 per person, totaling $25.8 billion nationwide. This represents an $8 increase per person compared to the average Valentine’s Day spending over the past five years.
Debt Driven by Valentine’s Gifts
Valentine’s Day is so important for some Americans that nearly 30% are expected to incur credit card debt due to high spending, while 35% of purchases go to online retailers. In one survey, 36.55% of respondents chose Amazon for gifts, while 46.97% opted for other online stores.
Chocolate Remains the Top Gift
Predicted spending on gifts includes candy and chocolate (57%), greeting cards (40%), flowers (39%), jewelry (22%), clothing (21%), and gift cards (19%). Record-breaking expenditures are expected for jewelry ($6.4 billion), flowers ($2.6 billion), clothing ($3 billion), and candy ($2.2 billion). In total, Americans are projected to spend $26 billion on Valentine’s Day in 2024—more than $190 per person. According to the American Florists Association, Valentine’s flower sales surpass those of Christmas, Mother’s Day, and Thanksgiving. Approximately 250 million roses are grown each year solely for Valentine’s Day.
The Bitter Reality Behind Chocolate
As Valentine’s Day approaches, chocolate and cocoa sales in the U.S. and Europe soar, with millions worldwide buying sweets to show loved ones they hold a special place in their hearts. Yet behind the sweet taste lies a harsh truth: much of the world’s cocoa is produced in West Africa, where an estimated 2 million children work under hazardous conditions on cocoa farms. These children are deprived of education, proper nutrition, and a safe, nurturing childhood. Most come from impoverished rural families and endure long hours, dangerous conditions, and little or no pay.
Record-Breaking Rose Sales
Chocolate and rose sales reach a peak in the first week of Valentine’s. Blinkit, a Zomato-owned platform, reported record-breaking rose sales, surpassing previous daily records. This day is crucial for online marketplaces, including Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart, driving significant growth in their flower and chocolate sales. Meanwhile, e-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart offer generous Valentine’s promotions, making the day the second-biggest sales event after Black Friday.
For instance, Swiggy and Instamart reported selling 251 roses per minute, with Swiggy alone selling over 1 million roses during Valentine’s week. In parallel, cocoa prices have risen to an all-time high of $5,874 ($4,655 per ton).
