Recession Hits Romance
Index of Romance-Related Stocks Is Down 13%

Washington, DC -- February 14, 2003 -- Looks like it's a bad year to invest in romance.  The stocks of 13 publicly traded companies that traffic in romance are down 13.2% since last Valentine's Day, according to Keck's Index.

The Index includes purveyors of romantic indulgences, from LMVH, makers of Moet Champagne and Godiva chocolates, to Hershey's, makers of chocolate Kisses; from high-end Tiffany & Company to Zale's jewelry stores.  Flower delivery giants FTD and 1-800-Flowers make an appearance, as do the parent companies of Victoria's Secret, Joe Boxer and the Golden Door Spas.  Sara Lee offers both cheesecake and Wonderbras (some may argue that is redundant).   

Privately held Hallmark won't be found on the Index, but American Greetings and their eGreetings.com subsidiary are.  You might want to send a condolence card, though - the stock is down 8%.

In fact, every company on the Index is down - except for P&O Cruises, home of the "Love Boats," and FTD (which weighed-in to the contest mid-year).  This comes after a Romance Index up-tick of over 2% the previous year.

The good new is, romance appears to be beating the S&P 500, although that index is calculated somewhat differently.

"We put the Romance Index together for fun," says creator Gayle Keck.  "It gives another dimension to the stock market."   

Of course, love and romance can flourish, even in a down-market.  "Just remember, hugs and kisses are free," Keck says.