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.