The Economy of Valentine's Day 2009: A Combination of Past Traditions and New Trends

PALM DESERT, Calif., Feb. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The business of Valentine's Day can be spelled out in a number of ways, but in the end it all boils down to the significance of the intentions for both men and women alike. In its annual Valentine's Day Poll, It's Just Lunch (http://www.ItsJustLunch.com) reports a shift in how the infamous day will play out in these tough times.

"Overall we are seeing a shift in spending habits as well as the way people will spend the day with a significant other, yet the importance of the day has by no means lost its significance," said Irene LaCota, president of It's Just Lunch, International, LLC. "People have a very real desire to connect with others especially now. We anticipate this Valentine's Day that men and women will say how much they care for their significant other in creative ways."

It's Just Lunch polled over 2,500 respondents who weighed in on what is conceivably the most heralded day of the year for romance. Not surprisingly, spending will be down this year. In 2006, the largest percentage of men polled 35%, said they would spend over $100. Today, that number drops to 31%. But money does not say it all. Romance is alive and well with the percentage of those who will spend the evening at a romantic dinner up from 9% in 2006 to 14% in 2009. And true to form, when gifts are given flowers and a card are the winner from both the men and women's perspectives.

    The following results are from the It's Just Lunch poll:

    1. How will you spend Valentine's Day this year?  Overall  Male  Female
    Like any other night                              63%      62%   64%
    Romantic Dinner date with significant other       14%      20%   11%
    Night on the town with single friends             16%      13%   18%
    Invite a friend over to watch a movie             6%       4%    7%

    2. How long after you have been dating do you expect to receive a gift?
    2 weeks                                           6%       6%    6%
    1 month                                           19%      19%   19%
    3 months                                          23%      22%   24%
    6 months                                          8%       8%    8%
    Only when in a committed relationship             43%      44%   42%

    3. What is the perfect Valentine's Day Date?
    Dinner at a nice restaurant                       48%      46%   49%
    Preparing dinner together at home                 41%      41%   41%
    An evening at a trendy bar/lounge                 6%       7%    5%
    Not celebrating at all                            5%       6%    4%

    4. How long after you've been dating do you
     expect to have a Valentine's Day date?
    A couple of weeks                                 26%      29%   24%
    A month                                           30%      33%   28%
    2-3 months                                        32%      27%   35%
    6 months                                          11%      10%   12%

    5. (Women only) What Valentine's Day gift
     would you like to receive from your significant other?
    A box of chocolate                                4%
    Spa Package                                       26%
    Flowers and a card                                42%
    A nice piece of jewelry                           22%
    Sexy lingerie                                     6%

    6. (Men only) What Valentine's Day gift would
     you like to receive from your significant other?
    A massage package                                 8%
    Tickets to a special event you have
     been talking about                               21%
    A nice wristwatch                                 6%
    A box of chocolate                                3%
    A romantic dinner at home                         61%

    7. (Men only) What do you plan on giving your date on Valentine's Day?
    A spa package                                     15%
    Flowers and a card                                31%
    I don't plan on a gift this Valentine's Day       34%
    A nice piece of jewelry                           13%
    Sexy Lingerie                                     6%

    8. (Women only) What do you plan on giving your date on Valentine's Day?
    A massage package                                 3%
    Tickets to a special event you have
     been talking about                               22%
    A nice wristwatch                                 2%
    A romantic dinner at home                         23%
    I'm not planning on giving a gift                 49%

    9. (Women only) How much money do you expect to spend on Valentine's Day?
    None                                              31%
    Under $20                                         5%
    $20-$50                                           23%
    $50-$100                                          27%
    Over $100                                         12%

    10. (Men only) How much money do you expect to spend on Valentine's Day?
    None                                              20%
    Under $20                                         3%
    $20-$50                                           16%
    $50-$100                                          29%
    Over $100                                         31%

About It's Just Lunch

Founded in 1991, It's Just Lunch has put itself on the map with over 100 locations worldwide, placing single professionals in comfortable and fun dating environments. It's Just Lunch has arranged hundreds of thousands of fun first dates over lunch or drinks after work. Clients of It's Just Lunch (IJL) receive confidential interviews with IJL staff members so they can be matched with like-minded individuals. For more information visit http://www.ItsJustLunch.com.

SOURCE It's Just Lunch

RELATED LINKS
http://www.ItsJustLunch.com