Retailers Boost Valentine's Day Promos

After a slow holiday season, many small-business owners are hoping romance is in the air this February.

By Alexandra Zendrian | 
 

After a slow holiday season, many small retailers are hoping to boost sales by targeting more promotions and marketing efforts on Valentine's Day, a recent survey found.

Of 600 small businesses surveyed nationwide, roughly half said they felt confident in their sales and marketing efforts, up from 37 percent last year, according to Constant Contact, a Waltham, Mass.-based marketing firm. Citing a slower economy, 68 percent said they planned to offer more targeted Valentine's Day promotions, with many turning to email and other online marketing strategies.

The survey also found that Valentine's Day brings out last-minute shoppers. As much as 46 percent of small businesses surveyed said they expect customers to ship the week of February 14, while 11 percent are expecting a lift in same-day sales. According to the survey, the most popular gifts this year will be flowers, followed by dinner, jewelry and chocolates.

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