Online shoppers to spend more on lovers, pets this year

Retailers know not to rest on their laurels once the holiday season is over. They know that loved-up consumers will be dusting off their wallets and credit cards because Valentine's Day is just around the corner. This year, online shoppers will spend almost two-thirds more than offline shoppers.

by Helen Leggatt

NRF logo.jpg On average, people will spend $116.21 on traditional Valentine's Day merchandise this year, up 11% over last year's $103, according to the National Retail Federation's 2011 Valentine's Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BigResearch.

Shoppers plan to do much of their Valentine's Day shopping online and, found the survey, they'll spend more than their offline counterparts. Online shoppers plan to spend a combined net average of almost $200, about two-thirds more than offline shoppers.

Traditional gifts such as flowers, clothing, candy and dining out remain the most popular and men will, as usual, spend more than women.

Animal lovers won't be forgetting their furry friends. Pooches and pussy-cats will be getting lots of love this Valentine's Day. Almost a fifth (18%) of respondents expects to spend $5.04 on their pets, up from $3.27 last year.

"Though the economy will still be on their minds, Valentine's Day holds a special place in many Americans hearts," said Phil Rist, Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, BIGresearch.

"Some may opt for a quiet night out or a home cooked meal to keep costs down, but it seems there are others who are a little more interested in a nice night on the town."