With Valentine’s – and Galentine’s Day – becoming a bigger than ever occasion on the gifting side, this year’s ‘day of love’ didn’t disappoint.
“Valentine’s sales this year were up three-fold compared to last year,” confirmed Bill Nettelfield, owner of Bill & Berts in Colchester. “It was as though consumers were treating the romance of February the 14th as a great reason to blast away the winter blues.”
Added Bill: “Best sellers were Jellycat, anything scented, Roka bags, soppy signs from Broadlands Pottery, along with many other gift lines, Card sales were OK, but we didn’t see the same increase as we did in gifts.”
At the six Brocante stores in Cornwall, co-owner Kieron Cockley commented: “Valentine’s was a small part of the business, but a nice little boost in sales at the start of half term. Predictably, we sold a lot of Valentine’s cards and hearts with quotes on, and a few larger pieces such as our beautiful Wonkiware ceramics.”
Continued Kieron: “This year, our Valentine’s windows featured a huge chalk heart with lots of smaller details, all done free hand, along with quotes from Winnie the Pooh. Plus, we sent out a mail shot for subscribers to our newsletter, with Valentine’s suggestions backed up with a temporary web page filled with ideas for romantics.”
As Libby Holden, owner of Lovely Libby’s in Rayleigh, Essex, highlighted: “Traditionally, as with Christmas Eve, we have an influx of male customers on Valentine’s Day itself looking for that special little something. This year, we stocked a beautiful, sweet confectionery range, which proved really popular with both children and adults alike. Plus, the little personal touches, such as complimentary gift wrapping with a bow, encourage our customers to shop with us time and time again, especially on occasions like Valentine’s Day.”
In Beauly in the Highlands of Scotland, Helen Crawford, co-owner of the Old School Beauly, also saw the tills ringing up sales. “We had a particularly good run up to Valentine’s Day this year with a very welcome last minute dash from our Highland menfolk!”
She continued: “Purchases ranged in price from £5 to £10 for luxury chocolates through to more considered gifting in the £150 to £250 price bracket for bronze sculptures and special pieces of jewellery. We also sold a significant number of home fragrance from our own label Highland Reed diffuser and candle range.”
Also having a busy time was Janet Hartree, owner of Ewe and Me and Ewe and Me Too in Grantown. “We were very pleased with our Valentine’s sales. We saw an increase in jewellery sales along with toiletries, and there was a good vibe in the shop, especially as this year Valentine’s coincided with half terms. In fact, it was actually the busiest week for us since the New Year.”
Top: Lovely Libby’s show stopping Valentine’s Day window.
