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The expensive, the sweet and the unusual in local Valentine's Day shopping

19.05.12

Nationally, Valentine's Day sales will rise 11.8 percent this year to nearly $17.6 billion, with the average consumer spending $126 — 8.5 percent more than 2011, according to a National Retail Federation survey.

More than 19 percent of consumers will purchase Valentine's Day gifts online. If your significant other is tech-savvy, you're in luck. Online shoppers spend almost $200 for Valentine's Day, about two-thirds more than traditional shoppers.

Jewelry is the largest spending category, followed by a special evening out, flowers, candy, clothing and gift cards.

Shoppers looking to say "I care but I'm light in the wallet" needn't worry. The romantics among us can still impress our sweethearts without having to apply for a bailout.

Valentine's Day is just Gertrude Hawk Chocolates' third largest holiday of the year behind Easter and Christmas. It's a busy celebration, made busier by shoppers who wait for the last minute.

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