Newsagents and other local small business retailers have a terrific opportunity with Valentine’s Day. It starts with you understanding that it’s not just about celebrating romantic love. Valentine’s Day is a perfect opportunity to share love, romantic or otherwise. Here are tips for having fun this Valentive’s day and driving success in your shops:
Put your Valentine’s Day cards out early, in the front of the shop so every shopper sees them.
Write about Valentine’s Day cards on social media, one card per post. Highlight fun cards, cards for non-traditional valentine’s day giving, cards you love. Give something of yourself in these posts.
Have one or two Valentine’s Day cards at the counter. Change them every few days.
Have a couple of Valentine’s Day impulse items at the counter: chocolate hearts, photo frame, a cute plush item.
Create a local love wall. Have a pen and a post0it note pad nearby and invite people to write something they love about the town – this shows that Valentine’s Day does not to be about romantic love, it’s about helping people connect with what they love.
Offer a free card selection service. Help people unsure about what card to choose to buy from you.
Offer free training or help with what to write on a card.
Share stories on social media that expand the appeal of the season.
Create a photo opportunity. Create somewhere people can come and be photographed. You could even have an Instax camera there for photos to be taken and put on a wall in your shop.
Pitch non traditional items as Valentine’s Day gifts. here are some ideas:
- A squishy toy because you make be squishy with love.
- Marbles because I’m marbles to love you.
- A superhero products because you are my superhero.
- A jigsaw so I have more time to spend with you.
- A journal so you can write how much you love me every day.
- Photo frames with cool and on-trend love messages.
- A whoopee cushion because we share everything.
- Cards Against Humanity because if we can survive this we can survive anything.
- An Affirmations inspirations box as it brings my encouragement to your work desk.
- A unicorn because rainbows = love.
- A music themed mug or other item that connects with a band or song that has special meaning.
- A plush item so you have something to hug when I am not around.
By embracing the broader spirit of Valentine’s Day and showcasing creative gift ideas, local retailers can not only boost sales but also become a cherished part of their community. This Valentine’s Day, let your shop be a hub of love, laughter, and unique expressions of affection, reminding everyone that love comes in many forms and can be celebrated in countless ways.
What you achieve from Valentine’s Day 2025 is dependent on what you invest in the outcome. Putting stock out is not enough for you to stand out and be talked about among friends. Be engaged. have fun. Make Valentine’s Day this year your best ever.