Valentine’s Day: Hudson Valley flocks to stores for last minute shopping

Despite the frigid temperatures, love was in the air this Valentine's Day!

News 12 Staff

Feb 14, 2022, 12:47 PM

Updated 936 days ago

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Despite the frigid temperatures, love was in the air this Valentine's Day!
"How Sweet It Is" on McClean Avenue in Yonkers is usually closed on Mondays, but the owner told News 12 she opened because this is her busiest holiday.
She also said they had already almost sold out some of their hand-crafted chocolates.
Cupcakes and chocolate bombs are hot items this year.
A block away, Blossom Flower Shop was also bustling with business, even though supply chain issues are upping the cost of flowers by as much as $5 a bouquet.
Small business owners believe there is another reason they were busy - the Super Bowl yesterday. "Today is going to be the people that are coming in last minute or just didn't have a chance. It was Super Bowl Sunday weekend so that kind of collided with Valentine's," said How Sweet It Is owner Aurea Roman.
Across the U.S., people are expected to spend nearly $24 billion on gifts this year.
According to the National Retail Federation, more than half (53%) of Americans plan to celebrate and the average person may be spending around $175 this holiday.
Here are the most popular gift items this Valentine’s Day
  • Candy - 56%
  • Greeting cards – 40%
  • Flowers – 37%
  • A night out – 31%
  • Jewelry – 22%
2022 is on track to be the second-highest year for Valentine’s Day spending on record.