Businesses expecting large boost from Valentine’s sales

Valentine’s Day is one of the year’s most loving holidays. But as hearts swell this Saturday, so will pocketbooks.

As the big day approaches, area business owners are already seeing an influx of customers in search of flowers, candy and jewelry.

“It’s different every year, and it just usually gets bigger and bigger every year,” LD Wolfley said of Valentine’s Day. Wolfley has owned a Pocatello floral shop called Flowers By LD for the last 28 years.

New figures from the National Retail Federation indicate the average American will spend $142 this year on flowers and candy. That’s up from last year.

Wolfley is already seeing some of that business.

“We’re dealing with a lot of people that just think of Valentine’s Day the day of. But we have a lot of good customers that are planning ahead and have ordered,” said Wolfley.

In addition to all the normal Valentine’s gifts, Wolfley is also offering items women can give to men.

“You can do a little car with a candy bouquet, so you get flowers, candy and you can take care of him also,” said Wolfley.

Americans are expected to spend a total of $18.9 billion on Valentine’s Day, according to the NRF. That includes an estimated $700 million people will spend on gifts for pets.