Valentine’s Day 2023 is just around the corner, and shoppers are searching for the perfect gifts to express their affection. A recent survey by NRF and Prosper Insights and Analytics has shed light on some of the top shopping destinations this year. While online shopping leads the pack by offering the convenience and accessibility of a wide range of options, physical brick-and-mortar stores provide a more personal and tactile shopping experience. To make the most of the Valentine’s Day 2023 weekend, independent retailers should marry their online shopping experience to their brick-and-mortar store. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of this blended approach and offer 3 small business tips for winning Valentine’s Day.

 

As Valentine’s Day 2023 approaches, shoppers are showing their love and affection by spending heavily. According to the NRF survey, total spending for this holiday is estimated to reach $25.9 billion, making it the second highest year on record. Per person spending is expected to average around $193.

 

Valentine’s Day gift shopping patterns remain consistent with previous years, with online shopping being the most popular destination at 35%, closely followed by department stores at 34%, discount stores at 31%, and specialty stores at 18%.

 

While online shopping remains the top choice for Valentine’s Day gift purchases, shoppers are starting to return to brick-and-mortar stores in search of special gifts to express their love. The number of people who plan to shop at discount stores and department stores in 2023 has caught up to those who plan to shop online. This is not surprising, given the variety of options these physical stores have to offer, and a post-COVID uptick in foot traffic.

 

 

Small businesses should take note of these trends and consider ways to make their store top-of-mind for last-minute shoppers. Here are 3 tips for making the most out of Valentine’s Day:

 

1. Make Sure Your Business Is Visible Online, (not just for Valentine’s Day but year-round)

We hear it often: “My customers like to shop in person.”

 

Yes, they do! But they’re more often shopping online.

 

Consider that among Valentine’s Day 2023 shopping destinations, online shopping is twice as popular as specialty stores, according to the NRF survey.

 

Invest in your digital strategy and consider where you’re showing up when local customers search for gifts.

 

2. ‘Work Smarter, Not Harder’ (hint: It doesn’t make you lazy.)

Small business owners know: Success is the outcome of hard work.

 

But outsourcing the most time-consuming tasks can free you up to focus on higher-level priorities — like growing your business!

 

What would happen if you didn’t have to handle your own deliveries, especially during busy times? In the hours saved, you could acquire new business, promote your offerings, and interact with existing customers.

 

That’s the value Trellus Same-Day Local Delivery brings to our small business partners, like Julie Ahmad, owner of Dolce Confections in Hewlett. She said, “I would recommend Trellus to other small business owners for the peace of mind it provides, and also because it does help you to scale. If I’m out running around doing deliveries, I’m not here managing the store. It’s made life a lot easier.”

 

3. If You Support ‘Shop Local’, Lean into Community

Customers love authenticity and brands that live their truth by example.

 

If you’re advocating Shop Local, why not try the delivery service based right in your local community?

 

Three Reasons to lean into Trellus:

1. We offer the same technology features as DoorDash and Uber Eats, like real-time tracking and proof of delivery.

2. We don’t take a percentage of the sale, and you call the shots on how to charge customers for delivery.

3. Plus, we’re REAL people who live locally and take time to get to know your business.

 

Take it from a small business owner who reached out via our Support Center:

 

“What a pleasure to do business with an individual that is responsive in a timely manner, available to discuss logistics in addition to problem-solving! Truly a rare and beautiful thing in today’s business dealings.” —Tracy Stoloff, Night Owl Baker in Montauk

 

Trellus is Here to Help

Say “I do” to better shopping experiences! As you begin thinking of ways to marry your online store with your in-person offerings, Trellus is here to help. We’ll work with you to integrate your online store with convenient same-day delivery, so your customers have the online shopping experience they love.

 

Let’s get started on revamping your online shopping experience! Contact us today to learn more.