Valentine’s Day 2025 is shaping up to be a record-breaking occasion for consumer spending, with Australians set to pour $535 million into gifts, experiences, and tokens of love for their partners.
This is an exciting opportunity for small businesses to leverage the holiday, attract customers, and increase sales—whether you’re in retail, hospitality, or services. Here’s a guide to help small businesses make the most of the romance-filled season.
Target your audience
With younger generations—aged 18 to 34—making up the bulk of Valentine’s shoppers, it’s important to tailor your offerings to their tastes and preferences. These customers are seeking personalized, unique gifts rather than traditional flowers or chocolates. They’re also more likely to spend on experiences, such as date nights or weekend getaways.
If you’re a small business owner, consider offering custom products, such as engraved jewelry, personalized accessories, or limited-edition items. Services like couples’ spa packages, creative date night ideas, or special themed events will also appeal to these younger consumers who want an experience that stands out.
Offer something beyond the usual gifts
While flowers and chocolates will always be popular, more consumers are looking to break away from the norm. From high-tech gadgets to practical gifts (like a robot lawn mower worth $3,500), buyers are willing to invest in unconventional items this year.
As a small business, you can offer unique alternatives—how about a subscription box with personalized goodies, or a one-of-a-kind romantic getaway package? It’s important to provide options that cater to different tastes and budgets, so there’s something for every shopper.
Make Valentine’s day about experiences
More than just products, experiences are a big part of the Valentine’s Day spending spree. Consumers are prioritizing memorable moments, whether it’s a romantic dinner, a weekend trip, or a spa day. For service-based businesses, this is the perfect time to introduce special Valentine’s packages—think couples massages, romantic dinners, or curated getaway experiences.
If you’re in the restaurant or hospitality industry, consider creating exclusive Valentine’s Day menus or themed events that give customers a chance to celebrate in a unique way. This could include a special dessert, a wine-pairing experience, or even an interactive cooking class for couples.
Leverage Digital Marketing for Maximum Reach
With Valentine’s Day being one of the biggest retail events of the year, it’s crucial to have a digital marketing plan in place. Create engaging campaigns that speak to the season of love—use eye-catching visuals and heartwarming messages on social media to capture the attention of your audience.
Run targeted ads on Instagram, Facebook, and Google to reach customers who are actively searching for Valentine’s Day gifts. Offering limited-time promotions, like “Buy Now, Save More,” or “Last-Minute Valentine’s Deals,” will create a sense of urgency and prompt shoppers to act fast. If you’re an online retailer, make sure your website is optimized for easy Valentine’s shopping, with special landing pages dedicated to the holiday.
Create a seamless shopping experience
Valentine’s Day shoppers often leave their gift-buying until the last minute. Ensure your business is prepared by offering fast shipping options, gift wrapping, and easy return policies. For in-store businesses, make sure your space is decorated and stocked with Valentine’s Day-themed products to encourage impulse buys.
If you run an e-commerce store, provide gift guides that help customers easily find the perfect gift based on their budget or relationship type (e.g., “Gifts for Him,” “Romantic Experiences,” “Best Gifts for Couples”). Quick checkout and a simple online process will also help boost conversions.
Post-Valentine’s Day follow-up
Once Valentine’s Day has passed, don’t forget about your customers. A simple thank-you note, a follow-up email, or a special post-Valentine’s discount can help foster customer loyalty. If you provided excellent service, many customers will return for their next holiday or special occasion shopping needs.
If your business offers seasonal items, consider launching a post-Valentine’s Day sale to clear out inventory or create a sense of exclusivity for those who missed out on the initial holiday rush.
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Valentine’s Day spending is set to hit $535 million—here’s how small businesses can grab their share. News, advice for retailers Dynamic Business
