This Valentine's Day, Americans are expected to drop billions of dollars — all in the name of love.
A report by the National Retail Federation estimated that American consumers will spend $25.9 billion. That would mark a $2 billion jump from 2022.
On average, consumers are expected to dole out about $192.80 each, compared to 2022 when they spent $175.41 on the day. That figure is supposed to jump to $335.71 for people between the ages of 35 and 44, who are expected to spend a little more than any other age bracket.
“This year, as consumers embrace spending on friends and loved ones, retailers are ready to help customers celebrate Valentine’s Day with memorable gifts at affordable prices.” noted Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the National Retail Federation, in a statement.
So what do people plan to buy? The report predicts that 57 percent of V-Day funds will be spent on candy, 40 percent on flowers, 21 percent on jewelry, 20 percent on gift cards, and clothing will likely account for 19 percent of spending.
The report also indicated that more than half of people planning to spend will take advantage of sales and promotions as they make purchases.
Israel said Wednesday that it will allow Egypt to deliver limited quantities of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, the first crack in a 10-day siege on the territory. Palestinians reeled from a massive blast at a Gaza City hospital that killed hundreds the day before and grew increasingly desperate as food and water supplies ran out.
A 4000-year-old slab of rock is being dubbed a treasure map for archaeologists. The rock was found in 1900 at the site of an ancient tomb in northwestern France and it was declared Europe's oldest known map in 2021.
Hundreds of people gathered for a vigil honoring a six-year-old Palestinian-American boy who was stabbed to death over the weekend by his family's landlord in an apparent hate crime.
If you have some older comic books stashed away in your attic, basement or closet, make sure to check their condition as they could be traded for serious cash. Cheddar News' Michelle Castillo at New Yor Comic Con spoke with Chris D'Lando, event manager with NYCC for Reedpop; Andy Mourat, co-founder and president of MetaZoo; and Julian Montoya, senior vice president of The Noble Collection, to get their thoughts.
Susan Akkad, senior vice president of innovation at Clinique, a finalist in the anti-aging category for the CEW Beauty Awards, joined Cheddar News to demonstrate some products to care for your skin as you age and how that is part of your overall healthcare.
Special prosecutors said Tuesday they are seeking to recharge actor Alec Baldwin in the 2021 fatal shooting on a Western movie set in New Mexico by presenting evidence to a grand jury.
