Retailers expect big bucks for Valentine's Day

Love is in the air for retailers expecting Americans to spend a lot on their sweeties this Valentine's Day.
Love isn't cheap.  Not this Valentine's day anyway, when Americans will shell out more than $17 billion to show their affection.

Coming off of a holiday season that was better than stores expected, Americans will spend an average of $126 per person, the highest amount since the national retail federation started their survey ten years ago.

The average man will spend about $169, twice as much as the average woman, who will spend just over 85.
What are the most popular gifts?  More than half of Americans will buy candy.  Also, 36 percent will pick up flowers.  Another 36 percent will spend money on a night on the town.  Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but only 19 percent of Americans are expected to buy jewelry.

Most Americans will head to discount stores for their shopping, perhaps a sign that the economy is still on their minds and that's why retailers are expected to have special deals in store, on those items lovebirds seek most.

Continuing a trend from the holiday season, shoppers will get help from gadgets.

One-in-five shoppers will look for gifts online.  More than half of tablet owners are expected to use them to research prices, look for discounts, and purchase their gifts.  Forty percent of smartphone users will do the same.