Valentine's Day - Boost to Economy?

In the raging debate whether to celebrate Valentine's day or not, one thing we can be sure of is that it helps the economy if not the archaic traditions/culture.

Festivals and Marriages are big money spinner in India and give a big boost to consumption. In the same manner Valentine's day promotes lot of industries. Not everyone has a valentine. Not everyone wants a valentine.

But the commercial aspect of this day seems to over saturate the marketplace. This pressures consumers into believing this holiday of love/romance purely revolves around making money.

Lets look at each one of them.

1. Hotels/Pubs/Discos - Youth throng these places on this day and occupancy levels are high.
2. Theaters/Multiplexes - Couples want to cozy up and have fun watching movies.
3. Telecom - Lot of phone calls and SMSes.
4. Garments/Accessories - Filling up the wardrobe to look pretty/handsome.
5. Beauty/Slimming Industry - People preparing for the D-day.
6. Transportation - Instead of relaxing at home people travel a lot on this day.
7. Gifts/Presents - This one should be on the top. Various gifts (flowers, singing stuffed animals, Valentine chocolates and Hallmark/Archies cards)you name it are bought.
8. Advertising - HIgher spend on advertising by the organization of above given businesses.

Spends on all this increases the money flow in the economy and gives its little dose to the economy.

So on these counts Valentine's day surely rocks!!