Updated
February 10, 2026
Published
February 10, 2025
From florists to candy makers, American businesses are at the heart of one of the most popular cultural holidays in the United States.
But Valentine’s Day is much more than cards and chocolate—it is a time for Americans to show the special people in their lives how much they mean to them, and American businesses help make this possible.
As children begin to write and seal their cards, couples make dining reservations, and “Galentines” plan nights with friends, businesses in communities large and small are in full swing to provide the perfect gift or experience to make Valentine’s Day 2026 special.
Valentine's Day Drives Economic Activity
The National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates that 55% of consumers plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day in 2026, with estimated $29.1 billion spent on the holiday, or about $199.78 per household. Both spending figures have surpassed previous records.
What’s popular for Valentine’s Day?
- Flowers: Florists stock 250 million roses specifically for Valentine's Day.
- Chocolate and Candy: Last year's Valentine's Day generated $5.2 billion in retail sales for the candy industry according to the the National Confectionary Association. The heart-shaped box of chocolates remains the most iconic Valentine's Day treat, chosen by 75% of customers.
- Jewelry: Shoppers spend the most on Valentine’s jewelry, budgeting a total of $6.5 billion in 2025, according the Capitol One research.
- Proposals: WalletHub’s Valentine’s Day Survey notes that six million marriage proposals are made on Feb. 14 each year and 36% of Americans agree that proposing on Valentine’s Day is romantic.
- Don’t forget pets! Valentine’s Day isn’t just a time to shower your classmates, significant other, or family with gifts. The NRF estimates that record 35% of consumers plan to purchase Valentine’s Day gifts for their pets this year, totaling $2.1 billion up from $1.7 billion in 2025.
CO—100 Feature: Karin’s Florist
Local Restaurants Step Up on Cupid’s Big Day
Dining out on Valentine’s Day represents a large portion of consumer spending, positively impacting workers and businesses through more tips and bigger overall dining checks.
According to survey data from Toast, Valentine’s Day 2025 was big business for restaurants, as the holiday fell on a Friday:
- Revenue on Valentine's Day was up 34% at full-service restaurants compared to the average Friday in 2025.
- Takeout sales were up 19% compared to the typical Friday.
- The dinner rush lasted from when dining rooms opened until late in the night. The 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. hours saw the largest increases in transactions and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. proved to be the busiest times.
The same survey listed steak, dessert, pastries, and pasta as top food items on Valentine’s Day 2025.
What’s more: The National Restaurant Association says Valentine’s Day is a great time for establishments to offer their customers specials, including gift card perks and cross-business promotions.
The Bigger Picture
All this economic activity adds up for local stores, grocers, pet shops, and restaurants.
Karin’s Florist in Vienna, Virginia has provided customers with Valentine's Day flowers and gifts since 1956, growing into a beloved shop in the suburban community. Maris Angolia, President of Karin’s, says February 13 is her busiest order day of the year, and February 14 is one of the busiest delivery days. The gift and flower shop’s staff spends months preparing unique and romantic arrangements to be ready for Valentine’s Day.
Another Sweet Perspective
Chocolate Chocolate in Washington, D.C. has provided customers with Valentine's Day sweets and gifts since 1984, growing into a beloved shop in the nation's capital.
No matter how Americans celebrate Valentine’s Day 2026, American businesses are at the heart of creating memorable experiences with loved ones, friends and family, and patronage for Cupid’s season is a vital economic boost for workers and businesses across the country.
The Chamber’s Brought to You by American Business campaign showcases how America’s businesses are working together to deliver unforgettable moments and experiences during important moments throughout the year.
About the author
Rachel Ledbetter
Rachel Ledbetter is a director of policy and political communications at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
