Published
February 10, 2025
From florists to candy makers, American businesses are at the heart of one of the most popular cultural holidays in the United States.
But Valentine’s Day is much more than cards and chocolate—it is a time for Americans to show the special people in their lives how much they mean to them, and American businesses help make this possible.
As kids begin to write and seal their cards, couples make dining reservations, and “galentines” plan nights with friends, businesses in communities large and small are in full swing to provide the perfect gift or experience to make Valentine’s Day 2025 special.
Valentine's Day Drives Economic Activity
The National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates that 56% of consumers plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day in 2025, with estimated $27.5 billion spent on the holiday, or about $188.81 per household.
What’s popular for Valentine’s Day?
- Flowers: The Society of American Florists reports 250 million roses alone are prepared by U.S. florists
- Chocolate and Candy: Sweets are the most popular gift , with 56% of Americans planning to purchase candy.
- Proposals: WalletHub’s 2025 Valentine’s Day Survey notes that six million marriage proposals are made on Feb. 14 each year and 36% of Americans agree that proposing on Valentine’s Day is romantic.
Don’t forget pets! Valentine’s Day isn’t just a time to shower your classmates, significant other, or family with gifts. Capital One Shopping reports that pet owners spent $1.5 billion on Valentine’s Day gifts for their pets last year: $31.24 for dogs and $27.42 for cats.
CO—100 Feature: Karin’s Florist
Local Restaurants Step Up on Cupid’s Big Day
Dining out on Valentine’s Day represents a large portion of consumer spending, positively impacting workers and businesses through more tips and bigger overall dining checks.
According to survey data from Toast, Valentine’s Day 2024 was big business for restaurants, even though the holiday fell in the middle of the week. Compared to a typical Wednesday, in 2024:
- Overall transactions were up 41% at full-service restaurants.
- Takeout sales were up 46%.
- Diners were out later with the busiest time being 7 p.m.
The same survey listed steak, seafood, sushi, and pasta as top food items on Valentine’s Day 2024 compared with a typical Wednesday at a full-service restaurant.
What’s more: The National Restaurant Association says Valentine’s Day is a great time for establishments to offer their customers specials, including gift card perks and cross-business promotions.
The Bigger Picture
All this economic activity adds up for local stores, grocers, pet shops, and restaurants.
Karin’s Florist in Vienna, Virginia has provided customers with Valentine's Day flowers and gifts since 1956, growing into a beloved shop in the suburban community. Maris Angolia, President of Karin’s, says February 13 is her busiest order day of the year, and February 14 is one of the busiest delivery days. The gift and flower shop’s staff spends months preparing unique and romantic arrangements to be ready for Valentine’s Day.
Another Sweet Perspective
Chocolate Chocolate in Washington, D.C. has provided customers with Valentine's Day sweets and gifts since 1984, growing into a beloved shop in the nation's capital.
No matter how Americans celebrate Valentine’s Day 2025, American businesses are at the heart of creating memorable experiences with loved ones, friends and family, and patronage for Cupid’s season is a vital economic boost for workers and businesses across the country.
The Chamber’s Brought to You by American Business campaign showcases how America’s businesses are working together to deliver unforgettable moments and experiences during important moments throughout the year.
About the authors
Rachel Ledbetter
Rachel Ledbetter is a director of policy and political communications at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
