SCHAUMBURG, Ill.—Valentine’s Day traditionally is celebrated with wine, roses, chocolate and romance. Americans are expected to purchase more than $345 million in chocolate candy during Valentine’s week, accounting for 5.1 percent of chocolate candy’s annual sales, according to The Nielsen Company.
More than 58 million pounds of chocolate candy will be sold during Valentine’s week, compared to 90 million pounds sold during Halloween week.
The most profitable day for chocolate retailers is Feb. 13; Feb. 15 is the second biggest day as bargain shoppers take advantage of leftover goodies.
Valentine’s week is one of the top weeks for sparkling wine sales, with more than $8.6 million in sales, trailing only Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. More than 881,000 bottles of sparkling wine will be sold during the holiday week.
“As reports of job losses mount, you can bet that U.S. consumers will be challenged this Valentine’s Day,” said Todd Hale, senior vice president, Consumer & Shopper Insights, The Nielsen Company. “Look for more at-home celebrations and shifts to value-oriented traditional gifts as consumers look for ways to celebrate the holiday in these economically challenged times.”
