Share this @internewscast.com

If you’re one of the millions of consumers joyfully sharing your life with someone right now, the National Retail Federation thinks you’re really going to show it this Valentine’s Day.

The organization projects total spending on significant others is set to reach a record  $14.2 billion this year.

And while inflation has affected a host of categories across the economy in recent years, the projected higher spending is not necessarily the result of higher prices.

Instead, American consumers are reprioritizing how they are spending, and who they are spending on.

In years past, shoppers may have also purchased Valentine’s Day gifts to commemorate platonic relationships with their children’s teachers or close friends, they are less likely to do that this time around, according to the National Retail Federation.

“People are normalizing their Valentine’s spending when it comes to what they purchase for non-romantic relationships in their lives,” said Katherine Cullen, NRF vice president for industry and consumer insights. “They’re getting back to the true purpose of celebrating romantic relationships.”

Where are people planning to open their pocketbooks most for Valentine’s 2024? The NRF expects record spending for jewelry, flowers, clothing and an evening out.

Cullen said many consumers are still feeling comfortable financially as the rate of inflation has eased and unemployment remains low.

Still, they are ultimately going to be somewhat more choosy than in the immediate post-pandemic period as they “rotate their wallets” toward more important areas of their lives.

“The focus is now on significant others,” Cullen said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Star Wars Day gifts for Mother's Day 2025

“The Perfect Star Wars Gifts for Mother’s Day 2025”

As a participant in multiple affiliate marketing programs, Localish will earn a…
North Bergen kidnapping: Nurses, good Samaritans thwart abduction attempt to take teen in NJ

North Bergen Abduction Foiled: Nurses and Bystanders Rescue Teen from Kidnapping Effort in NJ

NORTH BERGEN, New Jersey — Police in New Jersey have arrested a…
Squatting: Alleged squatter Shermaine Powell-Gillard arrested at South Side home, charged with burglary, forgery, trespassing

Alleged Squatter Shermaine Powell-Gillard Arrested for Burglary, Forgery, and Trespassing at South Side Home

CHICAGO (WLS) — A woman accused of squatting in a Chicago home…
YNOT After School Camp crash: Driver of deadly Chatham, Illinois crash possibly suffered medical episode, ISP says

Fatal Chatham, Illinois Crash: Driver in YNOT After School Camp Incident May Have Experienced Medical Emergency, According to ISP

CHATHAM, Ill. (WLS) — The driver of a deadly after-school camp crash…
Green Day honored with star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Green Day Awarded Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES — Green Day was honored with their very own…
'Shōgun,' 'Out of My Mind' win Peabody Awards for powerful, inclusive, and groundbreaking stories

‘Shōgun’ and ‘Out of My Mind’ Receive Peabody Awards for Their Impactful and Inclusive Narratives

FX and Disney+ are telling the stories that matter. The FX series…
Graduates complete Cook County Mental Health Court program, celebration held at Skokie courthouse

Celebration Held at Skokie Courthouse for Cook County Mental Health Court Program Graduates

SKOKIE, Ill. (WLS) — It is graduation season. On Thursday, a graduation…
Englewood, Chicago native Cardinal Wilton Gregory, 1st African American cardinal in US, prepares for largest-ever papal conclave

Chicago’s Own Cardinal Wilton Gregory, America’s First Black Cardinal, Gears Up for Historic Papal Conclave

CHICAGO (WLS) — Cardinals from around the world are preparing for what…
Montgomery crash involving semi truck kills Jason Messick of Oswego at Route 31, Caterpillar Drive: police

Semi-Truck Crash in Montgomery Claims Life of Oswego’s Jason Messick at Route 31, Caterpillar Drive

MONTGOMERY, Ill. (WLS) — One person died in a serious crash Wednesday…
Star Wars fans can celebrate "May the Fourth" at Disney Parks around the world

Celebrate “May the Fourth” at Disney Parks Globally for Star Wars Enthusiasts

As the unofficial Star Wars holiday, May the 4th approaches, Star Wars…
Chicago crime: Police searching for arson suspect in Molotov cocktail attacks to cannabis dispensaries on Milwaukee, Damen avenues

Chicago Crime Update: Manhunt Underway for Arson Suspect Linked to Molotov Cocktail Incidents at Cannabis Shops on Milwaukee and Damen Avenues

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago police are searching for a man accused of…
Starbase, Texas: Home of Elon Musk's SpaceX could become an official Texas city despite public push back

Efforts Continue to Make SpaceX’s Starbase in Texas a Formal City Despite Opposition

AUSTIN, Texas — Elon Musk has for years made Texas a business…