Today’s consumers are buying online more than ever, and that includes Valentine’s Day online shopping. The first major gift-giving holiday of 2022 is just around the corner, and there’s a key message in this year’s survey from the National Retail Federation (NRF): local businesses should be online if they want to maximize their Valentine’s Day revenue potential.
In their annual survey, the NRF found that Valentine’s Day online shopping is holding a steady lead over brick-and-mortar:
“Online continues to be the most popular shopping destination for Valentine’s Day this year, visited by 41 percent followed by department stores at 32 percent, discount stores at 28 percent, local small businesses at 18 percent and florists at 17 percent.”
Of course, these categories can overlap as many florists are local small businesses, such as Long Island florists using Trellus Same-Day Local Delivery & Marketplace. However, the point is taken: It’s not enough to rely on foot traffic alone in the post-COVID era of retail. Local businesses need an online presence to meet today’s customers where they’re shopping and with the level of convenience they expect.
See the full release from the NRF below for more insights on Valentines Day online shopping as well as in-person shopping. Be sure to check out the average spend per U.S. customer and the good news for jewelers this Valentine’s Day!
Americans to Spend $23.9 Billion on Valentine’s Day This Year
WASHINGTON – Valentine’s Day spending is expected to reach $23.9 billion this year, up from $21.8 billion in 2021 and the second-highest year on record, according to the annual survey released today by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.
“Following the historic level of consumer spending over the winter holidays, it appears that the trend will continue into 2022,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Valentine’s Day is a special occasion for many Americans, even more so as we navigate out of the pandemic, and retailers are prepared to help them mark the holiday in a memorable and meaningful way.”
More than half (53 percent) of U.S. consumers plan to celebrate the holiday in 2022, up from 52 percent in 2021. More than three-quarters (76 percent) of those celebrating indicate it is important to do so given the current state of the pandemic.
According to the survey, shoppers expect to spend an average of $175.41 per person on Valentine’s Day gifts, up from $164.76 in 2021. The increase comes as many intend to spend more on significant others or spouses.
Candy (56 percent), greeting cards (40 percent) and flowers (37 percent) remain the most popular gift items this Valentine’s Day. Nearly a third (31 percent) of respondents plan to gift an “evening out” this year, up from 24 percent in 2021 and just slightly below pre-pandemic levels, for a total of $4.3 billion. Almost a quarter (22 percent) will opt to gift jewelry to a special someone. Total spending on jewelry is estimated at $6.2 billion, up from $4.1 billion in 2021 and the highest in the survey’s history.
Demand for gifts of experience, such as tickets to a concert or sporting event, has also returned to pre-pandemic levels, with 41 percent saying they would “love to receive a gift of experience,” up from 36 percent last year.
“While traditional Valentine’s Day gifts like candy and flowers seem to never go out of style, gift givers and recipients alike are more comfortable heading out for a special meal or participating in a new experience than they were a year ago,” Prosper Insights Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist said. “This is especially true among younger age groups.”
Online continues to be the most popular shopping destination for Valentine’s Day this year, visited by 41 percent, followed by department stores at 32 percent, discount stores at 28 percent, local small businesses at 18 percent and florists at 17 percent.
The survey of 7,728 U.S. adult consumers was conducted Jan. 3-11 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.1 percentage points.
About NRF
The National Retail Federation, the world’s largest retail trade association, passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail thrive. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $3.9 trillion to annual GDP and supporting one in four U.S. jobs – 52 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies. nrf.com
About Prosper Insights & Analytics
Prosper Insights & Analytics is a global leader in consumer intent data serving the financial services, marketing technology, and retail industries. We provide global authoritative market information on U.S. and China consumers via curated insights and analytics. By integrating a variety of data including economic, behavioral and attitudinal data, Prosper helps companies accurately predict consumers’ future behavior to help identify market behaviors, optimize marketing efforts, and improve the effectiveness of demand generation campaigns. www.ProsperInsights.com
