UM Students Talk about the Real Valentine's Day

By: Alyse Hartdegen 

What is becoming one of the most expensive holidays in history will be celebrated on Saturday, February 14. Valentine’s Day merchandise has taken over stores such as Dollar General and Lucky’s Foodland since early January.

Many would say that Valentine’s Day has become a consumer holiday, and nothing more, but some UM students beg to differ.

“I think it’s awesome,” commented Nikki Johnson. “People are so guarded walking around with their little fronts on. This is like the one day everyone can be like ‘okay, I’m a softy,’ and get away with it…”

Although merchandise went on sale sooner than a month before the holiday, Ansley Bittle, an employee at Dollar General and a student at the University, did not think it was too early.

Valentine's Day merchandise has been
on sale at Lucky's and Dollar General
since early to mid-January. 

“I think we should all plan ahead a little more,” said Bittle. “We have all these people come in the day before Valentine’s Day getting all their stuff.”

Student Xavier Lewrence thought the early sales gave shoppers the time to truly surprise that special someone.

According to PR Newswire, Valentine’s Day sales are expected to reach 18.9 million dollars this year, with the average person spending almost 90 dollars on their significant other.

The average person is expected to spend
almost $90 on their partner this year.