The Friday File: This Valentine’s Day, spending is expected to reach a whopping $27.4 billion, way up from $20.7 billion last year, and $19.6 billion in 2019. Clearly a case of pent-up pandemic demand. The average amount spent is expected to be $196.31, with men averaging $291.15 and women $106.22. A record 27% of celebrants will spend an average of $12.21 buying gifts for their pets. Happy Valentine’s Day!