Kingston shoppers are loved-up this Valentine’s Day and expected to splash out more than £2.7m on gifts, wining and dining, and mini-breaks according to new research.

Nearly three quarters (74 per cent) of Kingston residents will celebrate the most romantic day of the year, with half (52 per cent) planning to treat their loved ones the weekend prior.

The survey of 2,000 people was carried out by the co-owners of Eden Walk shopping centre, British Land.

Eden Walk has dubbed the weekend of 10 - 11 February the ‘weekend of wooing’ as Kingston's retailers and restaurants prepare for a surge in visitors.

Ailsa Fraser, centre manager at Eden Walk, said: “Valentine’s Day is a busy time for our retailers and cafes as shoppers look to celebrate and treat their loved ones. With more than a third of residents likely to be celebrating the weekend prior to Valentine’s Day this year, we’re looking forward to spreading the love and helping people choose the perfect gift.”

In sadder news, just four per cent of lovers said they’ll be making breakfast in bed this year, and only 14 per cent will put their culinary skills to practice for an evening meal.

When it comes to choosing the perfect gift, Kingston residents are traditionalists, sticking to greetings cards (44 per cent), flowers (26 per cent) and chocolates (16 per cent) to say, ‘I love you’.

In some cases, mums (16 per cent), dads (6 per cent) and best friends (8 per cent) can expect to receive a Valentine’s gift too.

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