Valentine’s is becoming a bigger than ever occasion on the gifting side, and last Friday’s ‘day of love’ didn’t disappoint.
“Valentine’s trading was amazing, with the tills ringing all day on February 14th!” reported a delighted Aga Marsden, owner of Highworth Emporium in Highworth. “We’re about 10% up on last year, with wife cards selling out on the morning of Valentine’s Day, something that has never ever happened before! Hot Valentines gifts this year were Jellycat, chocolates and little East of India ornaments,” she confirmed.
“We had a great Valentine’s week,” enthused Caroline Ranwell, owner of Hugs & Kisses in Tettenhall. “As always, it was very last minute, but we finished ahead of last year. We had some gorgeous gifts too,” she continued, “to include the new Belly Button gift range – beautiful glass mugs, glass water bottles, notebooks, pen sets, scented candles, normal mugs, mini jugs and dishes – even matching nail files. East of India always sells really well for Valentine’s too. Customers love their little heart tokens, matchboxes, coasters and mugs.”
Added Caroline: “The new bone china mugs from Rosie Made A Thing also flew out, with our customers loving their cheeky, funny designs. However, our best seller by far, as always, is our luxury Belgian chocolates. We offer these pre-packed, or customers can choose their own.”
It was a similar story at Maybugs’ four stores in Bexhill-on-Sea, Eastbourne, Hailsham and Tunbridge Wells. “We had our best Valentine’s season since lockdown. Sales were up significantly on last year with chocolates from Cambridge Confectionery, Jellycat Valentine’s collection and the Tulip dome lights from Langs proving to be a hit. We also sold more Valentine’s cards than ever before this year.”
In Glasgow, Soni Ahmed, co-owner of Maia Gifts, was equally as enthusiastic. “We saw a late surge of shopping this year, with the week leading up to Valentine’s Day very busy. Young couples shopping together was a theme we noticed which was different from previous years.
“In terms of what sold well, it was the usual, popular products such as jewellery, chocolates and soft toys, as well as little felt charms and matchbox tokens. Card sales were also strong for us. Overall we saw an uplift on sales from last year.”
As Jon May, co-owner of Mooch Gifts & Home in Bewdley and Stourport on Severn, highlighted: “After the January sales, Valentine’s always brings a welcome boost to our stores, and this year didn’t disappoint with both our stores selling healthy amounts of gifts and cards.
“Noticeably however, the average spend was down as consumers cut back on extravagant Valentine’s gifts. Plus, as usual, we found purchases to be very last minute until close to the day itself. Top sellers for us were Heart Candles from The Bewdley Candle Company along with luxury chocolates from Cocoba.”
Top: Maybugs’ Valentine’s Day window.
