Fayetteville business owners should brace for a sweet Valentine's Day in 2023.

Based on per capita spending forecasts from the National Retail Federation (NRF), Fayetteville area consumers are expected to spend $34.1 million on their Valentines this year, 8.4% more than they did in 2022.

Overall, says the NRF, 52% of consumers plan to celebrate Valentine's day this year. On average, each celebrant will spend $192.80 on holiday gifts and outings. This is $17 more than last year.  Here is the most interesting part, though.

"While spending on significant others and family members is in line with last year, many consumers are looking to show appreciation for the other meaningful relationships in their lives," says the NRF. "Of the $17 increase in per-person spending, $14 comes from gifts for pets, friends, and co-workers, along with classmates or teachers."

For Fayetteville small business owners who depend on Valentine's Day to spike first-quarter sales, this year could prove to be a battle as the decline in celebrants is expected to continue.

Based on estimates from the National Retail Federation, 197,000 Fayetteville consumers will be participating in the holiday this year. This is 20% fewer than ten years ago.

There is good news, however, for local  business owners. Although there are will be fewer customers, local Valentine's Day spending is expected to grow to $32.1-million. This is 28% higher than a decade ago.

So, how does a Fayetteville retailer or restaurant win the battle for the hearts and wallets of romantic consumers?  Advertising is a necessary weapon to win this war.

No weapon is as potent as advertising on Fayetteville radio.

From now until February 14th, Fayetteville consumers will be spending $26,000,000 on Valentine's Day related gifts and entertainment. That's because 67% of Valentine Day shoppers wait until now to buy.

To grab a share of this gigantic pool of heart shape cash that is about to be spent, Fayetteville small business owners must act quickly.

There is no better way to invite Valentine's shoppers into stores, restaurants, and spas than by advertising on Fayetteville radio.  Here's why.

Next week, 288,946 consumers will tune into a local Fayetteville radio station.  This is significantly more people than will watch a local TV station, read a local newspaper, or plug-in to a streaming audio service like Pandora or Spotify.