Fifth Avenue fills with hearts, flowers, and plushies

Valentine’s Day arrived in Sunset Park! On Saturday, Feb. 14, stores and street vendors filled the sidewalks along Fifth Avenue in Sunset Park with hearts, flowers, and plush toys.

According to Statista.com, a website that compiles statistics, Valentine’s Day sales in the United States in 2026 are expected to exceed 2025’s sales by nearly $2 billion.

The warmer temperatures helped many people in Sunset Park head out for a walk and buy the day’s typical gifts.

Andrea and Gloria Rojas Acaro took a walk on Fifth Avenue in Sunset Park. They planned to go out to dinner later to celebrate the day. Photo by Leonardo March

Throughout most of the day, many people could be seen carrying Valentine’s Day purchases. Photo by Leonardo March

Lenny Sánchez bought Valentine’s gifts to give to his partner before starting his workday. Photo by Leonardo March

A couple walks past one of the many Valentine’s Day sales setups on Fifth Avenue. Photo by Leonardo March

Guillermo Caniz and Idalia Torres planned to go out to dinner later in the day. Photo by Leonardo March

Sonia Mendoza-Peralta shows her minimalist Valentine’s Day makeup during her workday as a vendor. Photo by Leonardo March

Jonathan Sotamva and Daisy Matinez had not decided where they would eat during their walk along Fifth Avenue. Photo by Leonardo March

Kenneth Black, of Flushing, NY, planned to go out to dinner with his partner after visiting his brother in Sunset Park. Photo by Leonardo March

Angel Fu (right) and Kai Geffen (left) celebrated the day before, but took time on Valentine’s Day to take a walk through the park. Photo by Leonardo March