Romance rides high despite slump

Johannesburg - Love conquers all, including an economic downturn, with consumers polled by Fin24.com not looking at spending less on Valentine's Day this year.

"I don't think people will be downsizing their gifts", a lady shopper called Anine said.

Her friend Candice concurred: "I think Valentine's Day has always been quite gimmicky and commercialised, but we always fall into the trap.

"Be it chocolate, jelly beans, dinner, a movie or whatever, I think people will still do it. We do it every year, with gifts and dinner."

Standing outside a fast food restaurant, Nisa said she would have celebrated Valentine's day with a partner if she had one. "I don't think the recession will have an effect [make people spend less on gifts]. It's Valentine's Day, it's like Christmas," she said.

However, some male interviewees said they were glad Valentine's Day only happens once a year, as they would otherwise be left broke.

A salesperson at Cardies gift shop in Sandton said the store has experienced an uptick in demand for presents.

"People are buying big cards [rather than smaller ones], the tatty teddies and other gifts being sold," she said.

Recently, news agency Reuters reported that one-fifth of adults globally would prefer to be with their pet rather than spend Valentine's Day with their partner. This is according to a joint global poll by Reuters/Ipsos of 24 000 people in 23 countries, which also found the French still come tops for romance.

However, pets as Valentine's Day gifts are not recommended. Respondents pointed out that they are a lifetime commitment, and need to be fed and cared for well beyond the playful puppy or kitten stage.

Other gifts to get the thumbs-down include self-help books, or anything that makes the recipient feel inadequate. Also among the no-nos are gift certificates and coffee mugs.

Flowers and chocolates still work, and shoppers are also opting for more personalised gifts, such as items for camping and scrapbooking.

- Fin24.com