ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A number of businesses who cater to lovers are singing the blues this Valentine's Day.

Candy makers, florists and jewelers say sales are down as couples cut back.

Brian McElrath of the Minneapolis specialty chocolatier B.T. McElrath says truffle sales are down as people opt for less expensive candy. He says he expects sales overall to be off about 20 percent this year compared to last.

Tim Johnson of A. Johnson & Sons florists in St. Paul says he also expects sales to drop 20 percent, but that's partly because of the Saturday holiday. Johnson says men tend to send flowers on weekdays and take their sweethearts to dinner on weekends.

And Dan Frailich of St. Paul Jewelers says he's selling fewer engagement rings as people opt for smaller gifts.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)