Love stinks (this year), V-Day spending down

Don't expect an expensive gesture this year. Valentine's Day spending is expected to drop 4.8 percent this year, after suffering to the tune of 6.8 percent a year ago. The good news is that we're becoming less romantic at a slower rate this year. Nonetheless, don't plan on a surprise weekend getaway this year.

According research firm IBISWorld, the passionate are only going to commit $28.6 billion to their fellow lovebirds this year. The reason is simple: Valentine's Day just isn't Christmas.

According to George Van Horn, a senior analyst at IBISWorld, events like birthdays and Christmas don't involve a whole lot of choice. You have to commit some cash. "Valentine's Day is more of a discretionary occasion," he says, "which means it will be hit particularly hard by the current economic climate." As we tighten our belts, this non-day off is among the casualties.

IBISWorld believes that couples are going to swap out trips, dinners out and the like for romantic meals at home, walks on the beach or writing a love letter or poem. Yes, this was actually in the press release! I have to admit, a walk on the beach right now, here in New York, would probably be better than a poem.

So, how does 2009 look? Travel is pretty grim. IBISWorld forecasts that close to $3.45 billion will be spent on romantic getaways this year, compared to $3.58 billion last year. It's a drop of 3.5 percent.

Filed under: Festivals and Events, North America, United States