For many American small businesses, the days leading up to Valentine’s Day can account for up to 10 percent of annual revenues (e.g., jewelry stores focusing on diamonds). Each year the U.S. Census Bureau collects the most recent data available related to the economic impact of Valentine’s Day, numbers that demonstrate why certain types of small businesses really love Valentine’s Day. (And this doesn’t even count all those restaurant reservations made for the weekend.)


Also on SmallBusiness.com: Shop Local for Last Minute Valentine Sweets | 2014


How sweet it is to be loved by you

Shane Confectionery, Philadelphia, is the longest continuously operated candy shop in the U.S.)

1,185 | Number of U.S. manufacturing companies that produce chocolate and cocoa products (2013)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns: 2013, NAICS code (311351) and (311352)

448 | Number of U.S. manufacturers of non-chocolate confectionary products (2013)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns: 2013, NAICS code (31134)

$14.9 billion | Estimated value of chocolate and cocoa products shipped (2014)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2014 Annual Survey of Manufactures, Products and Service Codes (311351 and 311352)

$9.3 billion | The estimated value of non-chocolate confectionery products shipped (2014)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2014 Annual Survey of Manufactures, Products and Service Code (311340)

3,368 | Number of confectionery and nut stores in the United States (2013)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns, NAICS code (445292)

Where have all the flowers gone?

Harker’s Flowers, Cinnaminson, New Jersey

14,161 | Number of florist establishments nationwide (2013)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns, NAICS code (4531)

62,222 |  People employed by florist establishments

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns, NAICS code (4531)

$272 million | Value of imports for cut flowers and buds for bouquets (Jan-Oct. 2014)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Division USA Trade Online U.S. Import and Export Merchandise trade (Commodity code-060319)

$382 million | Total value of fresh cut roses (Jan–Oct. 2014)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Division USA Trade Online U.S. Import and Export Merchandise trade (Commodity code-060319)

A kiss on the hand may be quite continental, but…

Coffrin Jewelers, Sarasota, Florida

23,096 | Number of jewelry stores in the United States that offer engagement, wedding and other rings to couples of all ages. (2013)

$2.5 billion | Estimated merchandise sold in February. (2013)

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns, NAICS code (448310) and Monthly Retail Trade and Food Services

2,134 | Jewelry and silverware manufacturing establishments in U.S.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns, NAICS code (339910)

Going to the chapel

Little Church of the West Wedding Chapel, Las Vegas, Nevada

Nevada |  Ranked Number 1 state for most marriages  (2012)

Source: National Center for Health Statistics

Age 29.5 (men) and 27.6 years (women) | Median age at first marriage (2014)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2014 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates

47.7% | Percentage of people 15 and older who reported being married (and not separated).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2014 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates

2.1 million | Number of marriages that took place in the United States (2012)

Source: National Center for Health Statistics

5,800 | Average number of marriages per day that took place in U.S. (2012)

Source: National Center for Health Statistics

75.5% | Percentage of men and women over the age of 15 who have been married only once

Source: 2014 American Community Survey, 1-Year Estimates

19.2% | Percentage of men and women over the age of 15 who have been married twice

Source: 2014 American Community Survey, 1-Year Estimates

5% | Percentage of men and women over the age of 15 who have been married three or more times.

Source: 2014 American Community Survey, 1-Year Estimates

399 | Number of dating service establishments nationwide, including online. (2012)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2012 Economic Census


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