By Lara Holmes

February 14 will leave an economic impact of 900 million pesos to Mexico.

The celebration of February 14 will create an economic impact to the country of nearly 900 million pesos, according to a study by the Chamber of Commerce, Services and Small Tourism  in Mexico City (CANACOPE). According to the analysis, for small traders and MSMEs the day is a formal commemoration of love and friendship that will generate 234 million pesos.

The survey reveals that 61% of those who spend more on this date will be women, followed by men with 39%.

Although 20% of respondents said the Valentine's Day is a festivity linked to marketing, 54% of micro businesses in  the Federal District believe that their sales will increase compared to last year.

To celebrate the February 14, 30% of Mexicans plan to go to a restaurant, 28% prefer to give a gift to their partner, 19% will go dancing, 13% will go to the movies and 10% will go to some kind of romantic encounter . Another service which is expected to raise the demand is the hotel industry, which is estimated to increase by 103 percent.

Among the establishments that are expecting a greater increase in customers include first the flower shop with a growth of 104%, followed by the gift shops at 79%, the sale of stuffed animals and candy with an increase of 70%, and the sale of clothing and perfume with a development of 50 percent.

The study shows that 57% of consumers plan to shop in department stores and supermarkets, 24% in MSMEs, 17% in informal trade and only 2% prefer to shop online.

Items which will be given preference in the Valentine's Day will be, in order of popularity,

1    flowers

2    chocolates

3    fragrances

4    plush toys

5    clothing

6    sweets

7    personal accessories

8    wines

9    watches

10  cell phones