Valentine’s Day: Canadians spending more, celebrating less according to new survey

Roses are red, chocolate is sweet – the high cost of living may have people paying more for their Valentine’s Day treats.

According to new polling data from marketing firm Caddle and the Retail Council of Canada, more than 83 percent of Canadians surveyed expect to spend the same, if not more on their sweethearts this year compared to last.

“People are going to be more cost conscious in terms of how much money they have available to spend and what they’re going to be willing to spend as well,” said Manitoba Chambers of Commerce president and CEO Chuck Davidson.

Those same survey results suggest the number of Canadians celebrating Valentine’s Day has dropped to 39 percent from 48 percent in 2023.

The new numbers have left some local business owners, already feeling a financial squeeze, worried about their bottom lines.

“I see an increase in every single type of ingredient that we purchase,” said owner Constance Menzies.

Menzies said the store and its sweets aren’t immune to inflation.