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Columbia Missourian

Valentine's Day numbers

By BROOKE FLETCHER/Missourian
February 8, 2008 | 3:31 p.m. CST

Ever wonder how many roses are delivered on Valentine’s Day? How many people mail cards? Buy jewelry?

A few numbers will give you an idea of just how popular the day is.

10

— New sayings on conversation hearts introduced every year, according to the National Confectioners Association.

20

— Times more flowers sold on Valentine’s Day compared to an average day, according to My Secret Garden, 16 N. Ninth St.

20

— Percent increase over regular business, says Daniel’s Jewelers, 2101 W. Broadway.

24.6

— Pounds of candy a single person consumed in 2003, the U.S. Census Bureau reported.

100

— Orchids sold the week before Valentine’s Day, compared to 10 or 12 during a normal week, says Orchids & Art, 10 W. Nifong Blvd.

2.2 million

— Marriages in the United States every year, the U.S. Census Bureau reported. That is roughly 6,000 a day.

190 million ­— Cards purchased for Valentine’s Day, Hallmark.com reported.

214 million

— Roses grown for the day, according to aboutflowers.com.

8 billion

— Conversation hearts produced this year, the National Confectioners Association reported.