Which city leads the way for Valentine’s spending?

PEOPLE from Preston are the country’s most generous Valentine’s Day spenders, according to payment processing giant Worldpay.

Analysis of consumer spending patterns around Valentine’s Day 2015 showed that the average Prestonian spends £53 on Valentine’s Day gifts for their loved ones,  18% above the UK national average.

Milton Keynes (£49) and Aberdeen (£48) were Britain’s second and third most generous lovers, respectively.

By contrast, residents of the West Midlands appear a little less inclined to splash the cash, with both Coventry and Walsall coming bottom of the table of 50 UK towns and cities.

Walsall residents spend 50% less than their Northern counterparts – with just £26 splashed out there.

Worldpay says that florists can expect to see their takings treble compared to an average week, while restaurants can expect to add an extra 14%. Jewellers and hoteliers will also be busy too.

Dave Hobday, UK managing director, Worldpay, said: “Valentine’s Day is bigger than Christmas for certain sectors – particularly if you happen to be a florist in Lancashire, where local residents really seem to go to town on spoiling their loved ones.

“Most business owners will be focusing on how to maximise profits over the intense and increasingly panicked 48 hour period up to and including Valentines Day. But the shrewdest shop owners will also be making sure to keep some stock back for Monday morning, when our data suggests there’s a premium to be made out of penitence.”