It’s that time of year when giant heart goodies, mushy greeting cards and Super-sized football merchandise should be on your store shelves. The Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day fall within a week of each other this year – the big game is Feb. 8, and Cupid’s grand entry is, of course, Feb. 14 – making it a great time for independent retailers to maximize profits.
However, you can only leverage revenue if you have the right products on your shelves. When determining which chocolate assortments and Valentine’s Day-themed candy to line the aisles, retailers would be wise to research what approaches worked and failed last year, both in their stores and throughout the industry.
For instance, proprietors could track whether M&Ms or variations of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups won the day, or if it was a Russell Stover or Whitman’s kind of year. Greeting card companies present another big sales opportunity and decision.
The past does not always predict the future, so be sure to explore this year’s trends and consider expanding intonon-traditional items, such as Valentine treats for pets. Variations like Friendship Day, Galentine’s, and Self-Valentine’s are additional options to explore.
Offering gift-wrapping services is a great perk that customers will appreciate. In times past, stores would regularly gift-wrap items. Gift bags have since surpassed the tradition.
The ability for consumers to present perfectly wrapped gifts with attractive themes is a great, add-on value and can gain your store word-of-mouth and increased profitability.
Those hosting and attending Super Bowl parties will want plenty of NFL-branded merchandise. This could include everything from T-shirts, chips, salsa and soda to paper plates and napkins. The more detailed the commemorative item, the better the likelihood that it will fly off the shelf. For instance, rather than buying traditional disposable plates and napkins, you might want to stock items with footballs or official Super Bowl branding. While pricier to obtain, branded merchandise could also yield a more profitable return on investment.
Popular apparel includes shirts with the Super Bowl trophy, the names of the participating teams, and the host city. In addition, party games like Super Bowl Bingo have become a big seller. And don’t forget the kids. Themed party treats, games, and activities will keep the young ones busy and excited no matter their interest in the game.
Valentine’s Day and the Super Bowl also present great opportunities for bundling. Shoppers will likely be attracted to special package deals rather than search for items to mix and match individually. For football, a bundle could include snacks, games, and commemorative items. A Valentine’s Day combination pack might feature candy, flowers and a card.
In addition, engaging displays play a large role in maximizing profits. There are a vast number of eye-catching setups to showcase your merchandise. Retailers who plan, channel their creativity and fill their shelves with branded and trending merchandise can generate increased revenue. General purchases, impulse buys, and gift and party baskets are just some of the Valentine’s Day and Super Bowl items that can boost profits early in the year and set the pace for a successful 2026.
