Downtown Long Beach Retailers Offer Sweetheart Shopping And Dining Spots For Valentine’s Day

Downtown Long Beach retailers have many sweetheart spots to shop and dine at the more than 34 retail, specialty, entertainment and restaurants ranging from apparel and jewelry to candy and gift cards, among others. Centered in between Third Street, Sixth Street, Pine Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard, the Downtown core is the popular holiday spot to shop for sweetheart deals from now through Valentine’s Day.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), consumers will spend an average of $136.57 on flowers, jewelry, candy, apparel and more. This year’s survey found consumers plan to spend an average $85.21 on their significant other or spouse, $26.59 on other family members such as children or parents, $6.56 on children’s classmates or teachers, $6.51 on friends, $4.27 on co-workers, and $4.44 on pets.

When it comes to the top gifts this Valentine’s Day, consumers plan to spend $4.3 billion on jewelry, given by 19 percent of shoppers; $3.8 billion on an evening out, given by 37 percent; $2 billion on flowers, given by 35 percent; $1.9 billion on clothing, given by 19 percent; $1.7 billion on candy, given by 50 percent; $1.4 billion on gift cards/gift certificates, given by 16 percent; and $1 billion on greeting cards, given by 47 percent.

Also popular this year are “gifts of experience” such as tickets to a concert or sporting event, a gym membership or an outdoor adventure. While 40 percent of consumers want an experience gift, only 24 percent plan to give one.

“This is one day of the year when millions find a way to show their loved ones they care regardless of their budget. Consumers will find that retailers recognize that their customers are looking for the best deals and will offer good bargains just as they did during the holiday season,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay.

Valentine’s Day shoppers are planning to purchase their gifts at department stores by 35 percent, discount stores by 32 percent, specialty stores by 18 percent, and local and small business by15 percent, among others.

The Downtown retail area has just the right variety of department, discount, specialty stores and small businesses featuring Valentine’s shopping options with Big 5 Sporting Goods, Daniel’s Jewelers, Footaction, Jean Machine, Payless ShoeSource, and Ross Dress For Less, among others, including:

- A sweetheart deal at Daniel’s Jewelers includes a free Tri-Colored Charm Bracelet valued at $29.95 with a $49.95 minimum purchase.

- Share the love at Big 5 Sporting Goods with great gift ideas for him and her including fitness, outdoors, games, team sports, youth and winter, among much more.

- To help shoppers look their best, Jean Machine is offering its largest Valentine’s Day shoe sale ever on a variety of styles including Circa, Fallen, ES and Osiris shoes, among others.

- Sweethearts shopping at Ross Dress For Less for Valentine’s Day will enjoy must-have gifts including the latest arrivals in sportswear, dresses, handbags, accessories and shoes at a 20-60 percent off department store prices.

“Valentine’s Day shopping and dining in the Downtown core is the right match for area residents and others looking for that perfect sweetheart gift and romantic restaurant,” said Tony Shooshani, owner’s representative for City Place Long Beach. “There are a terrific variety of specialty shops, retail stores and dining spots in the Downtown area for Valentine’s Day shoppers to enjoy.”

A sweet spot to stop on Valentine’s Day is Pie Bar for desserts featuring delicious handcrafted pies that are made from scratch and other scrumptious delights.

The Downtown area also offers guests a wide array of restaurants including Mitaki Japanese, featuring quick and fresh Japanese cuisine; Fresh Kabobs, the casual, family-style Indian restaurant; Milana’s New York Pizzeria, an authentic New York pizzeria; Wing Stop for fresh, hot chicken wings, famous fries and delicious sides; Red Hot Philly for cheesesteaks, wings and more; Sushi Zenmaru for teriyaki and rolls; Subway for fresh, delicious, made-to-order sandwiches; Panda Express for Asian-inspired cuisine in a fast casual environment; and Chuck E. Cheese’s, more than just fun and games, enjoy great food, always fresh with pizzas, salad bar, oven-baked sandwiches, buffalo wings and more.

Centered in between Third Street, Sixth Street, Pine Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard, the Downtown core features popular retailers and restaurants. For a complete list of the 34 retail stores, specialty shops, entertainment venues, and dining outlets, please visit http://www.facebook.com/cityplacelongbeach