Hate Valentine's Day? 10 Ways It Stimulates The Economy

By Carissa Hutchinson
@cnhutch1991

Do you think Valentine's Day is a pointless holiday? That it's a waste of time and energy? Well, whether you like it or not Valentine's Day contributes more than just flowers and chocolates. Here's a breakdown of how Valentine's Day not only brings love into our hearts but also puts money in America's pocket.

According to the U.S Census Bureau in 2011 there were 1,148 manufacturing establishments that produce chocolate and cocoa products. This employed 35,538 people throughout the country. California led the nation with 122 of these establishments. But you don't have to go all the way to California for some good chocolate. Check out these Detroit chocolate shops. During the same year $13.5 billion was spent on shipments by firms producing chocolate and cocoa products. Also 440 establishments manufactured non chocolate confectionary products. These establishments employed 19,198 people. Need a Valentine's Day gift that isn't all about chocolate? Then see Best Places To Get Valentine's Day Gifts In Metro Detroit.

With 15,307 florists establishments nationwide they needed some man power. These florists employed 66,165 people in 2011. In 2013 through October $280,357,058 was the value of imports for cut flowers and buds for bouquets. As of October 2013 the total value of fresh cut roses was $354,703,231. Don't forget to buy your sweetheart flowers this year and have a look at Detroit's best flowers shops.

What kind of store sold $2.8 billion in merchandise in February 2013? That would be jewelry stores. As of 2011 there were 23,394 jewelry stores in the United States. Looking to buy some jewelry yourself? We got you covered with the Best Jewelry Stores In Detroit.

Those are some pretty sweet statistics for one day's worth of work. So the next time you bad month Valentine's Day just remember it's more important then you may think.

Credit: United States Census Bureau

Carissa Hutchinson is a senior at Ferris State University studying television and digital media production. She's currently on two internships with CBS 62/CW 50 Detroit and M-1 Studios in Ferndale. While attending college she was a very active member of Delta Zeta and the Media Communications Association. Take a look at Carissa's work at carissanhutchinson.wordpress.com.