Lovers celebrated Valentine’s Day this Tuesday. Jewelry, perfumes, flowers, dining out at a restaurant…
As we know, February 14 also celebrates some key Valentine’s Day products, which see a spike in sales.
February 14 makes the hearts of restaurateurs, florists, perfumers, and jewelers beat faster. But the festival of love is less lucrative for travel agencies and chocolatiers.
• Full houses for restaurateurs
“After New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day is the first customer peak of the year, with an occupancy rate between 80 and 100%,” says Nicolas El Hakim, in charge of digital at the employer’s association Umih Restauration.
LaFourchette, the leader in online restaurant reservations, estimates in a survey that 66% of the French will celebrate Valentine’s Day at a restaurant this year.
• A bouquet for florists
Last year, “1.3 million plants were purchased by French households for Valentine’s Day compared to 1.6 million in 2015,” indicates the French Federation of Florist Craftsmen based on a Kantar TNS survey.
This represented “a total expenditure of 24.8 million euros,” or 6% of the quantities purchased and 14% of the amounts spent on plants in February 2016.
By comparison, Mother’s Day represented “6% of volumes” as well and “22% of the amounts spent” in May 2016.
• New fragrances launched at perfumers
“Brands launch products for Valentine’s Day as early as January. Of 44 new products at the beginning of 2017, about ten were launched exclusively for this celebration,” says Jasmine Petiot, vice-president of the French Federation of Selective Perfumery (FFPS).
“Sales represent at least twice that of a regular Saturday and sometimes the turnover of an entire week for a point of sale. It’s the third biggest celebration of the year for us,” she added.
• Jewelers satisfied
The sector’s turnover for February 2016 rose by 3% compared to February 2015.
• Chocolatiers not waiting for love
“For our members, Valentine’s Day is not a peak time for chocolate consumption,” indicates Florence Pradier, secretary-general of the Chocolate Union.
• A non-event for travel agencies
Romantic travel is not very developed.
