Research from Central England Co-operative shows the old favourites are still popular Valentine’s Day gifts – although tastes may be changing

Posted by james brindle | Published: 10/02/2020

New Central England Co-op research into customer shopping habits has revealed couples are generally falling back on the classics when it comes to Valentine’s Day gift giving – although there are signs that tastes may be changing.

The research on shopping trends around Valentine’s Day 2019 revealed that the top selling flowers in stores in the week before the big day and on the day itself were tulips, beating Co-op Fairtrade Red Roses – the highest seller the previous year – into second place.

This year, old romantics can give their special one a dozen Co-op Fairtrade Red Roses for £10 in Central England Co-op stores.

Meanwhile, loved-up shoppers wanting to add a sweet treat with their bunch of flowers couldn’t resist picking up a tried and tested box of Maltesers, with the top seller in the run-up to Valentine’s Day last year the 100g box which sold 66% more than its closest rival – the 360g box of Maltesers.

However, the research does also suggest that couples are more willing to push the boat out and stretch to a more ‘premium’ box of chocs.

The biggest increase in sales of boxed chocolates on Valentine’s Day 2019 compared to the six weeks previous was Co-op Irresistible Truffle Hearts, which saw an 89% rise in sales on Valentine’s Day, while Co-op Irresistible Flaked Truffles saw an 81% rise.

This year, couples looking for a special chocolatey treat can pick up some mouth-watering Co-op Irresistible Salted Caramel Truffles, new in store for 2020.

The research also highlights that prosecco remains the top selling bottle of fizz on Valentine’s Day, with Co-op Irresistible Prosecco number one, although Gordon’s Pink Gin proved a hit with the ever-increasing number of gin lovers.

On Valentine’s Day itself though, the research showed that, surprisingly, the biggest increase in spirit sales was actually for whisky, with White & Mackay Scotch Whisky seeing a 100% jump in sales compared to the six weeks previous.

According to the research, 68% of those celebrating Valentine’s Day will choose to eat at home and Central England Co-op stores have a tempting meal deal offer for those couples looking for a romantic night in.

The £6 meal for two includes a main, side and a desert (or two sides for those who do not have a sweet tooth), with options include Co-op British Beef Ranch Steaks, Co-op Irresistible Lasagne Al Forno, Co-op Skinny Fries and Co-op Irresistible Chocolate Melting Middle Puddings.

Shoppers can also pick up cards and other Valentine’s Day gifts in Central England Co-op stores. For more information on Valentine’s products available at Central England Co-op, visit https://www.centralengland.coop/deals/

Notes to editors

About Central England Co-operative

Central England Co-operative is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK. 

It is a modern, forward-looking organisation employing over 8,000 staff, with the Society’s principal areas of activity being food, funeral services, travel shops, and property investment.

Central England Co-operative has over 430 trading outlets across 16 counties including; West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.  The Society has an ambitious food store development programme for 2020.

Central England Co-operative is proud of its reputation for ethical business practices and corporate responsibility.  It is a member of Business in the Community, the membership organisation that stands for responsible business, and has also won many business awards for excellence.  The Society supports several charities including Dementia UK and invests a percentage of its trading profit into local communities.

Becoming a member of Central England Co-operative offers a whole host of benefits ranging from collecting points every time you spend in store to earn a share of the profits, access to members activities and community initiatives including the Community Dividend Fund, which hands out grants of up to £5,000 to charities and good causes across the Society’s trading estate.

Find out how to become a Central England Co-operative member by calling 0800 0501 601, emailing members@centralengland.coop or visiting https://www.members.coop

For more information visit www.centralengland.coop, follow Central England Co-operative on Twitter: @mycoopfood, and on Facebook: facebook.com/centralenglandcooperative

Rob Smyth and James Brindle at Central England Co-operative on 01543 421390

Email –publicrelations@centralengland.coop