Valentine’s Day isn’t just about hearts, chocolates, and roses—it’s also a golden opportunity for eCommerce businesses.
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), in 2024, consumers spent a staggering $25.8 billion on Valentine’s Day, and this figure doesn’t even account for purchases made in brick-and-mortar stores.
Every year, online sales spike around February 14th, but here’s the catch: the shopping frenzy doesn’t start on Valentine’s Day itself.
It kicks off as early as February 7th and continues through the week as customers hunt for the perfect gifts for their loved ones.
If your online store isn’t optimized to handle this surge in demand, you’re leaving a significant chunk of potential revenue on the table. From festive promotions to checkout experiences, businesses that prepare ahead of time can turn this love-filled holiday into a sales bonanza.
In this blog, we’ll look into some actionable Valentine’s Day eCommerce strategies for 2025 to help you get more and more sales. Let’s dive right in!
Some Valentine’s Day Trends to Keep in Mind for 2025
When you look beyond flowers and dinner dates—you’ll find that Valentine’s Day is a treasure trove of consumer insights. Understanding these trends can help you create targeted campaigns to increase sales.
Let’s look at some of them for now:
- Higher Spending on Loved Ones: The average amount spent per person on significant others and family members reached $135.92 in 2024, slightly up from the previous year.
- Men Spend More: According to the National Retail Federation, men spend an average of $108 on gifts for their partners, more than double the $49 women typically spend. Targeting male shoppers with premium gift options can yield great results.
- Age Groups with the Highest Spend: Shoppers aged 35-44 outspend all other age groups by at least 8.73%, making them a lucrative demographic for high-value gift marketing.
- Gifts Beyond Romance: Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples. Spending on friends has surged from $737 million in 2010 to $2.1 billion, and consumers are also purchasing gifts for family members and even pets.
- Pet Lovers Join the Celebration: Over 27.6 million American families bought Valentine’s presents for their dogs, proving it’s not just a holiday for humans.
- Early February Sales Boom: In February, 20% of online sales for the month are made in the first three days—so starting early with promotions is key.
15 Best Valentine’s Day eCommerce Strategies to Get More Sales
The best Valentine’s Day eCommerce marketing strategy for you would be based on two factors:
- What do you sell?
- Who do you sell to?
Here are 15 of the best Valentine’s Day marketing ideas to get you moving in the right direction.
1. Bring customers to a platform you own — a Shopify mobile app
When seasonal traffic spikes, your ultimate goal should be to bring audiences to a platform you own, like a Shopify mobile app.
Unlike relying on search rankings or paid ads, having a mobile app gives you a direct and reliable connection with your customers. It also offers better performance and results, building customer loyalty.
A Shopify mobile app enables you to send hyper-personalized app push notifications, especially before Valentine’s week. Using this, you can encourage your users to prepare wishlists in advance and notify them when your Valentine’s Day sale goes live.
Conversion rates on mobile apps are three times higher compared to web stores, giving you a significant advantage during high-demand periods. Moreover, they also build a habit where customers check your app regularly. This makes them more likely to shop when promotions roll out and also increases repeat customer sales.
Also Read: FAQs on Mobile Apps for Shopify Brands
2. Target last-minute Valentine’s Day shoppers
There’s always a group of shoppers scrambling for last-minute gifts. For these customers, discounts take a backseat to convenience. You can offer quick delivery options prominently in your Shopify store to reassure buyers that their gifts will arrive on time.
Another strategy is to simplify decision-making with curated gift suggestions. Offering ready-to-ship bundles or “best picks for her/him” categories can reduce confusion and increase sales.
Finally, digital gift cards are a savior for extreme procrastinators. Since they can be delivered instantly, they’re the perfect solution for shoppers who take “11th-hour” literally.
3. You can always upsell on Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day shoppers are in a gifting mindset, meaning they’re often willing to exceed their budgets for the perfect present. This makes the holiday ideal for upselling.
For example, if a customer buys a necklace, suggest adding a matching jewelry box or earrings, complete with a personalized note. These small yet thoughtful additions can increase the AOV without much resistance.
Fun fact: Jewelry ranks high among Valentine’s Day gifts, just after chocolates, flowers, and greeting cards.
4. Create a separate Valentine’s Day collection page
A dedicated Valentine’s Day collection page streamlines the shopping experience by curating relevant products in one place. This helps customers quickly find gift ideas without sifting through your entire catalogue.
Organize the page with filters like “Gifts for Him,” “Gifts for Her,” and “Under $50.” You should also show best-sellers and bundle deals to make the page even more enticing.
This collection page enhances the customer experience. But, more importantly, it increases your chances of converting browsers into buyers.
5. Make your delivery dates visible
Shoppers want peace of mind that their Valentine’s gifts will arrive on time. By displaying your delivery dates clearly on product pages and during checkout, you can avoid hesitation.
Consider adding a countdown timer to emphasize shipping cut-off dates for guaranteed Valentine’s Day delivery. This creates urgency and builds trust, ensuring shoppers feel confident making a purchase.
After all, no one wants their thoughtful gift to arrive after February 14th!
6. Your offers should mean more than saving money
While discounts are appealing, they’re not the only way to capture Valentine’s Day shoppers. Make your offers more meaningful by creating value beyond price cuts. For instance, consider bundling products that go well together, like a candle set with chocolates or a necklace with a personalized note.
Adding free services like gift wrapping or including a handwritten card can make your offer stand out. Shoppers aren’t just buying items; they’re looking for a way to express their love.
When your promotions align with that emotional need, they become irresistible.
7. Think about the brands you can partner with
Collaborations can amplify your Valentine’s Day campaigns. Partnering with complementary brands can give your customers access to unique, exclusive offerings while increasing your brand’s visibility.
For example, if you sell jewelry, you could team up with a local florist to create a “Roses and Gems” bundle.
Similarly, pairing with gourmet food brands for a “Dinner Date at Home” kit can appeal to couples who prefer quiet celebrations. Partnerships allow you to tap into another brand’s audience, creating a win-win for both businesses.
8. Build Valentine’s Day-themed products
Not a great suggestion if you’re looking for last-minute Valentine’s marketing ideas. But if you’ve got time on your side, creating themed products for Valentine’s Day can instantly attract attention and boost sales.
Think heart-shaped chocolates, red-and-pink gift sets, or limited-edition packaging with romantic designs. These small touches make your products feel more festive and tailored for the occasion.
If creating new products isn’t feasible, consider rebranding existing ones with a Valentine’s Day twist.
Even a custom sleeve or label that ties into the holiday can make a big difference in how customers perceive your offerings. Seasonal exclusivity creates urgency, encouraging shoppers to buy now rather than wait.
9. Offer gift guides to confused lovers
Many shoppers struggle to find the perfect gift, and that indecision often leads to abandoned carts. Help them out by creating Valentine’s Day gift guides tailored to different budgets, interests, and relationships.
For example, create sections like “Gifts Under $50,” “For the Foodie,” or “Romantic Surprises for Him/Her.”
A well-organized guide saves time and reduces buyer anxiety, making it easier for them to commit to a purchase. Include clear calls to action like “Add to Cart” buttons to make the shopping journey seamless.
10. Customization is the key to any eCommerce seasonal promotion
Personalization can turn a good gift into a memorable one. Offering customizable products, such as engraved jewelry, monogrammed bags, or personalized photo frames, can set your store apart during Valentine’s Day.
You can also offer personalized notes or messages that accompany each purchase. Highlight these options on your product pages and in your promotions to show customers how they can make their gifts extra special. Customization appeals to the emotional side of Valentine’s Day, helping your customers deliver something truly unique.
11. Audience segmentation is a must
Effective audience segmentation is critical for maximizing your Valentine’s Day sales. Not every customer is shopping for the same reason, so tailoring your message to specific groups can make all the difference.
For example, one segment might be shopping for their significant other, while another might be looking for Galentine’s Day gifts.
A Shopify mobile app takes segmentation to the next level. By analyzing user behavior and purchase history, you can send hyper-targeted eCommerce app push notifications.
You could remind last-minute shoppers about express delivery options or offer early-bird discounts to frequent buyers. Personalized notifications increase engagement and Valentine’s Day conversions, ensuring your marketing efforts are laser-focused and effective.
12. Target male shoppers
Men spend over twice as much as women on Valentine’s Day, making them an essential audience to target.
If your product catalogue includes items like jewelry, perfumes, or flowers, make sure your campaigns speak directly to male shoppers.
For example, create product bundles or gift suggestions labeled as “Perfect for Her.” Highlight features like premium packaging, personalization options, and fast delivery to make their decision-making easier.
Don’t forget to suggest complementary items to increase the average order value. With the right messaging, you can turn male browsers into buyers quickly.
13. Promote self-love and don’t forget Galentine’s
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about couples anymore. The self-love movement and Galentine’s Day celebrations have expanded the market. Promote products like skincare sets, cozy loungewear, or self-care kits to customers treating themselves.
For Galentine’s Day, curate gift ideas that friends can exchange. Offer discounts on bundles like wine and chocolate or “best friend” matching sets. By embracing these trends, you can tap into new audiences and diversify your revenue streams.
14. Use the tried and tested marketing strategies for Valentine's too
Sometimes, classic marketing strategies work best. Cross-sell and upsell by suggesting complementary items, such as pairing chocolates with flowers. Create urgency with scarcity tactics like “Limited Stock Available” or “Order by [date] for Guaranteed Delivery.”
Don’t forget email marketing. Use email campaigns to remind customers of your Valentine’s offers, highlight best-sellers, and share gift guides. Combining these strategies with your Valentine’s promotions ensures you don’t leave any sales opportunities on the table.
15. Or maybe just redefine Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be limited to romantic love. Depending on your product range, you can also target singles and those celebrating other kinds of relationships.
For example, if you sell fitness products, position your campaign around self-improvement and empowerment. Brands selling tech gadgets can market them as “Gifts to Upgrade Your Life.”
Celebrate relationships with pets by offering Valentine’s Day-themed items for furry friends. Redefining the holiday lets you broaden your appeal and connect with a wider audience.
Build your Shopify mobile app before this Valentine’s Day!
Valentine’s Day is a time of fierce competition, with every eCommerce business striving to capture the attention of shoppers.
If you don’t have a massive marketing budget or a loyal customer base, standing out can feel like an uphill battle.
This is where a Shopify mobile app comes in. It increases your mobile conversion rates and does so with minimal ad spending, giving you a significant advantage. With a mobile app, you can create personalized shopping experiences, send targeted push notifications, and establish a stronger connection with your audience.
If you’re ready to transform your Shopify store into a mobile app, Appbrew’s Shopify mobile app builder has got you covered. Offering robust eCommerce app features and customizations, it helps you build an app that resonates with your brand and your customers.
Don’t wait—book a demo with Appbrew today and get ready to win the Valentine’s Day sales race!