Retailers are hoping Britons will set aside worries about rising bills, taxes and public spending cuts, to splash out on their loved ones on February 14.
Now, when fears of jobs losses are rife, they are even less inclined to splash out.
Inflation and tax rises are cutting into already-feeble pay rises; many householders are more minded to pay off debts than to splash out.
Some love minimalist design, and would splash out on modern minimalist furniture.
Under-water owners of property in poor locations have little incentive to splash out on maintenance.
