Nations say Valentine's too commercialized

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SHELTON, Conn., Feb. 13 (UPI) -- The Chinese and Americans are most likely to celebrate Valentine's Day, but many worldwide say the holiday is too commercial, a survey indicates.

Research with Survey Sampling International indicates 50 percent of people in China and 42 percent in the United States say they plan to celebrate Valentine's Day, 42 percent in the United States plan a Valentine's celebration, but in some countries most people are planning no celebration.

Sixty-nine percent of people in Japan say they plan no special dinner, no candy, no gift or no flowers, while 71 percent in Australia and 74 percent in Germany say they don't plan to recognize the holiday.

The findings are based on a study of more than 5,000 adults drawn from SSI's online panels from the countries: United States, Britain, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

In the United States, 52 percent say they plan to give gifts and 50 percent say they plan to go out to dinner.

Fifty-seven percent of U.S. consumers say they plan to give a present, but 67 percent say they expect to receive a present in return, the survey says.

The most popular gift is a card with 69 percent in Britain and 64 percent in the United States say they plan to give a card.

SSI reaches respondents in 72 countries via Internet, telephone and mobile/wireless telephones. No additional survey information was provided.