PALM DESERT, CA. (February 10, 2009) 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 Valentines 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%
