Valentine’s Day Success Kit
In 2019, Valentine's Day shoppers set new spending records. They added $20.7 billion to the economy, according to the National Retail Federation. That's more than the $19.2 billion spent in 2018. This gave a huge boost to retailers who cater to this market. (thebalance.com)
The rise in retail spending may have to do with the number of new ways people are giving and trends we’re seeing for how people now celebrate the holiday. Here’s some information about those newer gifting trends and tips for setting up your retail store to make a bigger splash during the Valentine’s Day shopping season.
Trends
Galentine’s Day, February 13
Galentine's Day is a whole day dedicated to smothering female friends with even more love than usual, whether they're single or not. Galentine's Day is celebrated on February 13, the day before Valentine's Day. Basically, it's a recognition of friendship and the people who stick by your side as romantic relationships come and go.
Invented by the character Leslie Knope on the sitcom Parks & Recreation, who celebrated Galentine’s Day with a waffle breakfast party, it’s a time to gather your gal pals for a wine-and-cheese happy hour, make a group mani-pedi appointment, or just feel how great it is to be in a room without men for a few hours.
Valentine’s Day Gifts for Friends
While Galentine’s Day is officially a thing, we now also officially plan casual gatherings with friends of both genders for February 14. Consumers are on the lookout for cards and gifts that express friendship and non-romantic love. Casual and fun tokens for women feature inspirational quotes, feminine sentiments and light-hearted humor. Party invitations, decorations and supplies are another way to support friendship events on Valentine’s Day.
Be Your Own Valentine
Be your own Valentine on Valentine’s Day. Bath and beauty items, stuffed animals, clothing and other self-purchases are little ways individuals can indulge themselves and encourage time for self-care.
Pet Valentines
Pets are a growing market for Valentine’s Day, and products that let pet owners show their love to their furry companions are going to do well. Heart-shaped toys, animal-themed gifts and pink/red clothes and accessories will do well, along with animal-adorned photo frames, jewelry and other items for humans who love pets.
Merchandising and Retail Tips
Valentine’s Day comes at what is traditional a slow time for retail. Here are some ideas for making a statement with Valentine’s Day promotions:
- Focus on Valentine’s strategy starting in mid-January (people are more willing to shop a few weeks after holidays).
- Generate interest and gift focus areas within your store.
- Think outside of the box — try using untraditional colors other than red/pink/white.
- Work with other local business owners on an event to create more buzz.
Show your customers some love and how much you appreciate them on Valentine’s Day with these helpful ideas:
- Show customers you’re ready for Valentine’s Day with festive window displays. Make it interactive for customers by letting them make their own love-filled additions, such as providing materials to make handmade Valentine’s Day cards they can contribute to the display or hang on the wall.
- Provide gift guides on your website and share them on social media to inspire customers to visit.
- Create in-store displays with signage that guides shoppers to targeted products.
- Provide easily giftable options such as consumables (candy, coffee, etc), candles, fashion accessories (scarves, jewelry, etc.).
- Add small items by the register for “impulse buys” that are at low price points.
- Be prepared for last-minute shoppers with ready-to-go gifts and pre-made gift baskets for easy shopping.
- Offer gift-wrapping — even small gifts make a bigger impact with a bow.
- Show your customer appreciation with special discounts or an in-store treat for shoppers.
Ready-to-Go Gift Bundles
Offering ready-to-gift bundles is a convenient way to provide variety in one package, while encouraging product sampling and exploration. It also emphasizes savings on individual items and allows retailers to effectively manage slow- and fast-selling products together. Here are some ideas for creating Valentine’s Day gift bundles in four quick steps.
Ready-to-Go Gift Bundles
Offering ready-to-gift bundles is a convenient way to provide variety in one package, while encouraging product sampling and exploration. It also emphasizes savings on individual items and allows retailers to effectively manage slow- and fast-selling products together. Here are some ideas for creating Valentine’s Day gift bundles in four quick steps.
Want to become a DEMDACO Retailer?
For more than 20 years, DEMDACO has designed and sold giftable products intended to “Lift the Spirit” — in times of celebration, when comfort is needed, or just to put a smile on someone’s face.
