IU Kelley School of Business expert can comment on Valentine’s Day gift, retail expectations

Dana Olsen, Director of the Center for Education and Research in Retailing at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, can discuss Valentine’s Day gift and retail expectations for this year.

According to the NRF, “Shoppers plan to spend $188.81 on average on the holiday, up from $185.81 in 2024.”  

Olsen says, “While chocolate and flowers are always Valentine’s Day staples, people are turning to more personalized gifts (ie. Personalized jewelry or scents via luxury fragrances) and experience-oriented gifts. The wellness industry has been booming and will play a role this Valentine’s Day. Gifting to friends, pets, and self gifting continues to rise (everyone can participate). Personalized gifts require some forward thinking in order to receive by Valentine’s Day, and historically many people wait until the last minute (on the day) to buy.”