LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – The average consumer will spend around $200 on Valentine’s Day gifts this year compared to $188 last year. These gifts range from candy and greeting cards to flowers and nights out.
Lubbock business owners say supply costs are driving up prices for Valentine’s Day staples.
Justin Hughes, owner of House of Flowers, said tariffs and holiday charges are increasing consumer costs.
“For consumer cost, unfortunately, tariffs have increased, which causes me to increase my prices and there is also a holiday charge. So, that causes the consumer cost to go up as well,” Hughes said.
Flower type affects pricing
The type of flower matters for pricing. Premium flowers like bird of paradise, orchids or peonies cost more. Even rose bouquet prices depend on the stem length.
“If someone wants long stem roses that’s going to be a little extra charge because that’s going to cost me more. A dozen of long stem roses are going to cost about two hundred dollars,” Hughes said.
Chocolate costs increase due to shortage
Hughes is not the only business owner adjusting prices to match supply and demand. Stephanie Lindblom, owner of Chickie’s Tasty Treats, said chocolate costs are also increasing due to tariffs and shortages.
“When we first opened it was three dollars for one pound of Belgium chocolate; now it’s $10 to $15 dollars per pound,” Lindblom said.
Despite the price increase, Lindblom said her prices remain unchanged for boxes of chocolates and chocolate-covered strawberries.
“They’re the same, so for two it’s two dollars and seventy-five cents and for a dozen it’s $30. It’s kind of hard to increase your prices when the econmy isn’t doing too great. I want to keep my prices reasonable,” Lindblom said.
Combining a bouquet starting at $195 and a dozen chocolate-covered strawberries at $30 totals $225, slightly above the $200 consumer average this year.
Copyright 2026 KCBD. All rights reserved.