Valentine’s Day is a short but intense sales moment, especially for florists, restaurants, jewellers, beauty salons, chocolatiers and gift shops. Most purchases are made in the last days, often by people who need ideas and reassurance about delivery. Here is how to prepare.
Online stores
- A gift guide by budget and recipient, see how to create a gift guide.
- Bundles and gift sets that simplify the choice.
- Delivery deadlines in an announcement bar: “Order by 11 February for delivery before Valentine’s Day”.
- Gift cards for last-minute buyers.
- Gift wrapping and messages.
Restaurants
- A special Valentine’s menu published as text with prices, see restaurant menus.
- Booking button visible everywhere, and “fully booked” updates.
- Gift cards for a future dinner.
Florists and chocolatiers
- Order cut-offs and delivery areas, see florist websites.
- Pre-orders to plan production.
Salons and spas
- Duo treatments and gift boxes.
- Gift cards with a clear price list, see price lists.
Timeline
- Mid-January: prepare offers, gift guide and pages.
- End of January: announce and email your list.
- Early February: reminders and delivery deadlines.
- Last days: gift cards and last-minute options, see last-minute sales.
Use a real countdown to delivery deadlines rather than fake urgency, see honest urgency. The announcement bar with built-in countdown is TopBar.
Ideas by budget
- No budget: a gift guide page, an announcement bar, an email to your list, social posts.
- Small budget: gift wrapping, a free card, a small gift above a certain amount.
- Larger budget: a limited edition product or a special event.
After Valentine’s Day
Thank customers, ask for reviews and note which products and offers sold best. Many of the same ideas work again for Mother’s Day a few weeks later.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start Valentine’s Day marketing?
Around mid-January for preparation, with communication from the end of January.
What sells best at the last minute?
Gift cards, local pickup and digital gifts.
Should restaurants publish the special menu online?
Yes, with prices, so couples can book with confidence.