Nevadans expected to shell out $179M for Valentine’s Day

If you want something wearable and shiny this Valentine's Day, start dropping hints now.

According to the Retail Association of Nevada, only one in five Nevadans are planning to buy jewelry for their Valentine.

On the bright side, you're about 25 percent more likely to receive candy this Sunday, a day on which Nevadans are expected to spend a total of $179 million, up 5.7 percent from last year.

"Consumers are demonstrating a willingness to use their wallets to express their love this Valentine's Day," said Bryan Wachter, senior vice president of the Retail Association of Nevada.

Predictions of record high spending in Nevada are based on a survey by the National Retail Federation that found adults nationwide will spend a record $19.7 billion on the holiday this year.

Based on national trends, Nevadans will spend more money on dates at restaurants, shows and other experiences than any other category — $41 million, compared with $40 million that will be spent on jewelry, $18 million each on clothing and flowers and $16 million on candy.

Unsurprisingly, 90.8 percent of Nevadans will buy gifts for their significant others and about 56 percent will spend money on relatives.

But people aren't the only ones who will be showered with gifts this weekend, the survey predicts. About 19 percent of Nevadans are expected to spend more than $6 million collectively on their pets.

Survey results demonstrate an improving state economy and better consumer confidence, Wachter said. "Retailers can continue to remain optimistic about the year ahead."

Contact Kimber Laux at klaux@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0381. Find her on Twitter: @lauxkimber