Cards, flowers and chocolates, oh my! It’s no secret that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. This weekend, folks were out doing some shopping for their sweethearts.The countdown is on to the most romantic day of the year. Folks are scouring the stands, on the hunt for that perfect card for their special someone. For Dale White, this is no easy task.
“It’s gotta be maybe a little funny, but it’s gotta be sweet. It’s gotta be sentimental. it’s gotta be a lot of things,” said White, who lives in Forest City.While cards and flowers are common gifts this time of year, what about something a little bit more expensive?”She wants another ring, and she already got me a watch and wallet and stuff,” said Grant Blackley who lives in Mason City. He spent the day shopping with his sweethear, Miranda Fielder.So is Valentine’s Day a popular day for popping the question?
“A lot of people get engaged this time of year. It’s a fun time to do it,” said Riddle’s Jewelry Store Manager Rick Morel.This is one of the busiest times of the year for his store. And despite the uncertain economy, Morel said people are still willing to shell out the cash for a little bling.”We’re seeing a lot of higher ticket items too. We’ve got one carat diamonds that are going out of here pretty good,” Morel said.
But he said some folks are still cutting back, and the key is catering to every budget.”We’ve got a lot of merchandise that’s in the $100 dollar and under range, and so that’s been real popular,” said Morel.But at the end of the day, Valentine’s Day is not so much about the gift, but about the love you share with your significant other, right?”Just a time to celebrate that we’re together and happy,” said Fielder. “And buy her jewelry,” added Blackley.
As for White, it seems he’s come up with a solution to his card dilemma.”Maybe a funny one and a sweet one on the side. Or a funny one that I write something sweet inside,” White said.So whether you spend $10 dollars or $1,000 dollars, in the end, it’s really the thought that counts.According to the National Retail Federation, folks are spending more on Valentine’s Day this year. The average person will spend about $126 dollars on the holiday. That’s up from about $116 dollars last year.