Valentine’s Day Shoppers Will Love The Specials At The Streets

Valentine’s Day shoppers will love the specials in Downtown Long Beach at the more than 38 retail, specialty, entertainment and restaurants ranging from jewelry and shoes to candy and fashion accessories, among others. Now simply referred to as “The Streets,” the heart of Downtown is centered in between Third Street, Sixth Street, Pine Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard, and is a popular destination to shop for Valentine’s Day through Wednesday, February 14.

According to the survey by the National Retail Federation (NRF), more than half of the U.S. population, 55 percent will celebrate Valentine’s Day this year while spending an average $143.56 on gifts. Total spending is expected to reach $19.6 billion, up from $18.2 billion last year.

Those celebrating Valentine’s Day plan to spend $4.7 billion on jewelry, given by 19 percent, $3.7 billion on an evening out, 35 percent, $2 billion on flowers, 36 percent, $1.9 billion on clothing, 17 percent, $1.5 billion on gift cards/gift certificates, 15 percent, and $894 million on greeting cards, 46 percent. More consumers plan on purchasing candy this year, with 55 percent, up from 50 percent, saying they will give gifts of candy for a total of $1.8 billion.

“Americans are looking forward to pampering and indulging their loved ones with flowers, candy, dinner and all of the other Valentine’s Day stops,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “With the holidays behind them and the winter months dragging along, consumers are looking for something to celebrate this time of year.”

The survey also found consumers plan to spend an average $88.98 on their significant other/spouse, $12.1 billion, $25.29 on other family members such as children or parents, $3.5 billion, $7.26 on children’s classmates/teachers, $991 million, $7.19 on friends, $982 million, $5.50 on pets, $751 million, and $4.79 on co-workers, $654 million. Those 25-34 will be the biggest spenders at an average of $202.76.

Consumers plan to shop at discount stores, 32 percent, specialty stores, 19 percent, florists and local small businesses, 14 percent. The Downtown area has just the right variety of discount, specialty stores and small businesses featuring Valentine’s Day shopping options with Big 5 Sporting Goods, Daniel’s Jewelers, Pie Bar, Romeo Chocolates, Ross Dress For Less, Jean Machine, Payless ShoeSource, Luxury Perfumes and Footaction, among others:

- Shop for Valentine’s gifts at Daniel’s Jewelers with a wide selection of jewelry for that special someone.

- Perfumes and fragrances are perfect Valentine’s Day gifts and can be found at Luxury Perfumes with hundreds of perfumes to select from at 5 to 50 percent off as compared to department store prices.

- 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.

- Valentine’s Day gifts are a sweet treat from Romeo Chocolates offering artisanal, micro-batch chocolate bars and confections.

- Holiday shoppers will enjoy Valentine’s Day gift ideas from Ross Dress For Less featuring 20 to 60 percent off department store prices including apparel, shoes, electronics, and much more.

- Valentine’s Day shoppers will go for the Big 5 Sporting Goods “For The Love of Running” special prices on running shoes, in addition to sweet gifts of spring and athletic apparel; games and recreation; fitness items; team sports; outdoors; camping and fishing; plus much more.

- It's the largest Valentine’s Day shoe sale ever at Jean Machine with all Circa, Fallen, ES and Osiris shoes, among others.

“Valentine’s Day shoppers have many great shopping options in the Downtown area including jewelry, clothing and various holiday specials,” said Tony Shooshani, Managing Member of Shooshani Developers. “The Streets also offer a variety of terrific restaurants for a quick bite to eat or a complete Valentine’s Day dinner with a loved one, family or friend.”

The Downtown area presents a wide array of restaurants such as the new Burgerim, a unique and flavorful experience with an uno, duo, trio, or party box of 2.8 oz. patties with unconventional toppings and sauces; The ThickShake Factory offering the best thick shakes at this side of the world; King Buffet seafood and grill that offers a full-service, all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet with over 120 items; Creative Crepes with a variety of savory and sweet delicacies; Fresh Kabobs, the casual, family-style Indian restaurant; Mitaki Japanese, featuring quick and fresh Japanese cuisine; Subway for fresh, delicious, made-to-order sandwiches; Milana’s New York Pizzeria, an authentic New York pizzeria; Wing Stop for fresh, hot chicken wings, famous fries and delicious sides; Sushi Zenmaru for teriyaki and rolls; 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; and Panda Express for Asian-inspired cuisine in a fast casual environment.

“The Streets” in the heart of Downtown is centered in between Third Street, Sixth Street, Pine Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard. For a complete list of the 38 retail, specialty, entertainment and restaurants, please visit http://www.facebook.com/thestreetsdtlb.com.