Traditionally, the 14th of February is the day to pamper your Valentine by presenting them with cards, gifts and a romantic candle-lit meal for two. Retail properties are overflowing with themed teddies and bouquets of flowers, while it is virtually impossible to step into a restaurant without tripping over a couple gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes.
However, a dark cloud is hanging over Valentine’s Day this year – the very real threat of the UK entering once more into recession. This has led industry experts to wonder whether amorous couples will be celebrating the day of romance in the usual manner, or whether they will choose to save the pennies for a later date.
Some romantics have certainly decided to splash the cash for Valentines weekend by whisking their special someone away for a mini-break in Europe. Gatwick Airport is predicting the coming weekend to be its busiest yet in 2013, with an estimated 476,000 passengers due to pass through the terminal in the days surrounding the 14th.
In a poll it was revealed that the top three destinations for couples on a romantic break this year are Geneva, Amsterdam and Edinburgh. However, the Emerald Isle is also proving to be surprisingly popular, with Belfast and Dublin appearing in 7th and 8th place respectively in the results.
Nick Henderson, terminals operations chief at Gatwick, says; “As usual, European mini break destinations are proving popular but it’s interesting to see less traditional cities, like Belfast, hitting the spot for Valentine’s breaks this year.”
Of course, not everyone can afford to pay for a foreign holiday for their loved one – given that a traditional bouquet of red roses will surely be high on the list of priorities today. However, choosing the perfect dozen can be a difficult task, with a need to stick to a budget often clashing with a desire for quality.
Fortunately, Marks and Spencer may have the answer to this problem and will even provide their red roses with a touch of green this year (in the environmental sense that is!) Thanks to an advancement in transportation technology, known as Modified Atmosphere Packaging, the £22 bouquet of Fairtrade roses can be distributed to and displayed in nationwide stores without the need for water – a factor which Marks and Spencer believes will save 10,000 litres of water on Valentine’s Day and help to reduce the retailer’s carbon footprint.
Flower expert for the British chain, Charlotte Curtis, says; “It means that 25 per cent less lorries will be needed to deliver these bouquets.
“We plan to sell 17,000 bouquets in MAP this Valentine’s Day and eventually with all flowers sold online.
“Both Marks and Spencer and our customers are always looking for ways to save water and MAP is a great opportunity to significantly reduce consumption in a simple, effective way.”
Many businesses are rolling out special offers and promotions this Valentine’s Day, from soft toys to “proposal pizzas” in restaurant chains. However, there are signs that the lavish Valentine’s Day seen last year (when consumers spent a whopping £880 million in total) will not be repeated. In fact, around 80 per cent of couples are not expected to go out for a meal or enjoy a date of any kind thanks to the pressing economic situation.
Yet for those who do wish to make the effort and acknowledge the day, a little advice has been prepared for the more hapless gift givers in the UK. NetVoucherCodes.co.uk polled 1,000 women to discover the most hated present they had ever received on Valentine’s Day – some of which are rather surprising!
Bad news for those who like to leave purchasing flowers until the last minute, first of all, as 20 per cent of women declared their despair at receiving a bunch of flowers from the local petrol station on the big day. Cheap or tacky jewellery followed with 17 per cent, just beating large cuddly toys with 16 per cent.
Also appearing on the list were buffet vouchers, chocolate bars and even football tickets!
This Valentine’s Day, there are many things that you can do for your other half with no need to break the budget, such as renting a DVD or cooking them a special meal. However, if you are currently choosing between a trip to Geneva or a bunch of wilting tulips and a Twix, we certainly advise going with option number one!
Are you planning on surprising your significant other with a Valentine’s Day gift today, or do you find the idea tacky and unappealing? Would you spend a large amount on a trip abroad as a romantic surprise or is it better to buy a token present and save for a week’s holiday in the sun later on in the season?
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