Valentine’s Day 2025: The Marketing Strategies Slaying It

1. Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual Sale

Victoria’s Secret held its Semi-Annual Sale coinciding with Valentine’s Day, offering discounts of up to 67% on various bra styles, including push-up, strapless, lacy bralettes, and sheer underwire designs. This promotion provided an opportunity for customers to refresh their lingerie collections with significant savings.

How You Can Try It:

• Seasonal Sales Events: Plan major sales events around key holidays like Valentine’s Day to attract shoppers looking for special deals.
• Deep Discounts on Select Items: Offer substantial discounts on popular products to entice customers and clear out inventory.
• Promote Through Multiple Channels: Utilize email marketing, social media, and in-store signage to inform customers about the sale and encourage participation.

Suggestion: By aligning significant sales events with holidays, you can tap into the seasonal shopping mindset and boost sales. Ensure that the discounted products are prominently featured across all marketing channels to maximize visibility.

2. Jared’s Sitewide Jewelry Sale

The Promotion: Jared Jewelers hosted a comprehensive sale featuring pieces starting from $60, ensuring delivery by February 14th. The selection included sterling silver earrings, bracelets, rings, and necklaces suitable for both daily wear and special occasions. Personalized items, like heart locket necklaces, added a special touch without extending delivery times.

How You Can Try It:

• Early Bird Discounts: Launch your Valentine’s Day promotions ahead of time to capture early shoppers.
• Personalization Options: Offer customizable jewelry pieces, such as engravings or birthstone additions, to add sentimental value.
• Guaranteed Delivery: Ensure timely delivery by setting clear order deadlines and communicating them effectively to customers.

Suggestion: By providing a mix of affordable and personalized jewelry options with assured delivery, you can appeal to a broad customer base seeking meaningful gifts.

3. Amazon’s Premium Jewelry Selection

The Promotion: Amazon featured a curated selection of premium jewelry under $100 from renowned brands like Swarovski, Coach, and Kate Spade. Notable pieces included the Kendra Scott Elisa Pendant Necklace for $42 and Swarovski Millenia Pink Crystal Earrings for $90.

How You Can Try It:

• Curated Collections: Assemble themed collections, such as “Gifts Under $100” or “Designer Picks,” to guide customers.
• Brand Partnerships: Collaborate with well-known brands to offer exclusive pieces or limited-time discounts.
• Highlight Value: Emphasize the combination of quality and affordability in your marketing messages.

Suggestion: Curated collections simplify the shopping experience, helping customers find the perfect gift within their budget.

4. Taylor Swift’s Personalized Jewelry Trend

The Promotion: At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Taylor Swift donned a striking red dress complemented by bold red earrings and a unique thigh chain featuring an initial charm, setting a new fashion trend.

How You Can Try It:

• Initial and Name Jewelry: Introduce pieces featuring initials or names, allowing customers to personalize their gifts.
• Celebrity-Inspired Collections: Create collections inspired by current celebrity trends to attract fashion-forward customers.
• Social Media Campaigns: Leverage social media to showcase these personalized pieces, encouraging customers to share their own.

Suggestion: Capitalizing on celebrity trends can boost the appeal of your products, especially when combined with personalization options.

5. Kay Outlet’s Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

The Promotion: Kay Outlet provided a comprehensive Valentine’s Day gift guide, offering discounts of up to 60% on clearance items and up to 70% on closeouts. The guide categorized gifts by price range, making it easy for shoppers to find suitable options within their budgets.

How You Can Try It:

• Gift Guides: Create detailed gift guides segmented by price, occasion, or recipient to assist customers in their shopping journey.
• Clearance Sales: Offer significant discounts on select items to attract deal-seeking customers.
• User-Friendly Navigation: Ensure your online store is easy to navigate, with clear categories and filters.

Suggestion: A well-organized gift guide can enhance the shopping experience, leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction.

6. Star Wars Fine Jewelry’s Themed Collection

The Promotion: Star Wars Fine Jewelry launched a Valentine’s Day sale with discounts of up to 40% on themed pieces. They also offered a 10% discount on first orders of regular-priced items using a specific code.

How You Can Try It:

• Themed Collections: Develop jewelry lines inspired by popular culture, hobbies, or interests to cater to niche markets.
• First-Time Buyer Incentives: Offer discounts to new customers to encourage initial purchases.
• Exclusive Discounts: Provide special promotions during holidays or events to boost sales.

Suggestion: Themed jewelry can attract fans and collectors, while first-time buyer discounts can help convert new visitors into loyal customers.

7. Applebee’s Date Night Pass

The Promotion: Applebee’s brought back its Date Night Pass, a $100 membership that gave customers up to $50 off per month on meals for a full year. This genius offer didn’t just increase Valentine’s Day engagement—it created long-term customer loyalty well beyond February 14.

How You Can Try It:

• Offer a VIP subscription or discount membership for your customers.
• Sell gift cards with bonus perks, like a $100 gift card that gives an extra $20 in credit.
• Promote a limited-time couple’s bundle that rewards customers who buy together.

Suggestion: If you sell food, experiences, or subscription-based products, a loyalty program with a long-term benefit can turn a one-time Valentine’s Day purchase into repeat business all year long.

8. Kroger’s On-Demand Flower Delivery via DoorDash & Uber Eats

The Promotion: Kroger teamed up with DoorDash and Uber Eats to deliver fresh flowers right up until February 15. Orders over $40 got a $20 discount, ensuring last-minute shoppers could still impress their loved ones.

How You Can Try It:

• Offer same-day or next-day delivery options on key products.
• Partner with a local courier or delivery service to provide faster shipping.
• Create a rush-order upcharge for customers who need gifts last minute.

Suggestion: If you sell physical products like flowers, chocolate, or personalized gifts, expedited delivery options can help capture last-minute shoppers who are willing to pay more to avoid disappointment.

9. Goop’s Luxurious Gift Guide

The Promotion: Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop curated a high-end, ultra-luxurious Valentine’s Day gift guide featuring unique (and sometimes outrageous) items, including an $8,000 infrared sauna and a $15,000 solid gold sex toy.

How You Can Try It:

• Curate a Valentine’s Day luxury collection on your site.
• Offer limited-edition, high-ticket items for customers willing to splurge.
• Use exclusivity and scarcity in your marketing—“Only 5 available” creates urgency.

Suggestion: If you sell high-end beauty, fashion, or home decor, create a premium Valentine’s Day bundle with luxe packaging and exclusive items for shoppers looking to go big.

10. Amazon’s Budget-Friendly Valentine’s Gift Guide

The Promotion: Amazon curated a list of Valentine’s gifts under $25, featuring popular small-ticket items like candles, lip balms, and jewelry. This approach appealed to budget-conscious shoppers looking for meaningful but affordable gifts.

How You Can Try It:

• Create a “Gifts Under $25” section on your store.
• Offer discounted gift bundles to encourage multi-item purchases.
• Run a limited-time “affordable luxury” promo featuring high-value items at a discount.

Suggestion: If you sell accessories, beauty, or home goods, a well-curated budget-friendly collection can capture shoppers looking for quick, thoughtful gifts.

11. UrbanStems’ “Double the Satin” Bouquet Deal

The Promotion: UrbanStems offered a premium Valentine’s Day bouquet called Double the Satin, featuring a romantic mix of pink and red flowers for $98. Shoppers could also apply discount codes for added savings.

How You Can Try It:

• Offer tiered pricing, where customers can pay more for a deluxe version of a product.
• Create a Valentine’s Day exclusive product that feels special and unique.
• Provide personalization options, like custom gift messages or add-ons.

Suggestion: If you sell flowers, gifts, or subscription boxes, offering a premium Valentine’s Day upgrade can boost average order value.

12. ProFlowers’ Same-Day Delivery Option

The Promotion: ProFlowers catered to last-minute shoppers by offering same-day flower delivery with beautiful rose and carnation arrangements for $75.

How You Can Try It:

• Offer a “Guaranteed Valentine’s Day Delivery” promo for time-sensitive gifts.
• Partner with local fulfillment centers to speed up shipping.
• Promote a “Forgetful Partner” campaign, targeting shoppers who leave things until the last minute.

Suggestion: If you sell perishable gifts like flowers or chocolates, same-day delivery can make your brand the go-to option for last-minute Valentine’s Day shoppers.

13. The Million Roses’ Preserved Flower Boxes

The Promotion: The Million Roses sold preserved roses in a mini heart-shaped box for $144. These long-lasting, luxury flowers offered a more permanent alternative to traditional bouquets.

How You Can Try It:

• Offer luxury, long-lasting alternatives to traditional Valentine’s gifts.
• Sell premium packaging upgrades for high-end gift buyers.
• Market your products as “everlasting” gifts—perfect for anniversaries, proposals, or keepsakes.

💡 Suggestion: If you sell floral, jewelry, or high-end gifts, positioning long-lasting or everlasting products can appeal to shoppers looking for something more meaningful than a basic gift.

14. Domino’s “Eau de Passion” Pepperoni Perfume

The Promotion: Domino’s introduced a limited-edition perfume named “Eau de Passion,” inspired by their signature Pepperoni Passion pizza. The scent featured notes of spice, pepper, and a warm, woody base. To promote this unique product, Domino’s launched a campaign featuring reality TV star Luke Debono and offered fans a chance to win a 30ml bottle through a competition on their website.

How You Can Try It:

• Create a Novelty Product: Develop a fun, limited-edition item that aligns with your brand’s identity. For example, if you own a bakery, consider a dessert-scented candle.
• Leverage Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with local influencers to promote your unique product, increasing reach and engagement.
• Run an Engaging Contest: Host a giveaway on your website or social media platforms to generate buzz and encourage user participation.

Suggestion: Novelty products can create excitement and draw attention to your brand. Ensure the product aligns with your brand values and appeals to your target audience.

15. McDonald’s Limited-Time Valentine’s Menu

The Promotion: McDonald’s launched a special menu just in time for Valentine’s Day, featuring items like the Raspberry and White Chocolate Pie and the Philly Cheese Stack burger. These limited-time offerings provided customers with unique flavors to celebrate the occasion.

How You Can Try It:

• Introduce Limited-Time Products: Offer exclusive products or services available only during the Valentine’s Day period to create urgency.
• Highlight Seasonal Flavors or Themes: Incorporate Valentine’s Day themes into your offerings, such as heart-shaped designs or romantic packaging.
• Promote Through Multiple Channels: Use email marketing, social media, and in-store signage to inform customers about your limited-time offerings.

Suggestion: Limited-time products can drive sales and attract new customers. Ensure that these offerings are well-promoted and align with the Valentine’s Day theme.

16. Dutch Bros’ Valentine’s Day Drinks

The Promotion: Dutch Bros introduced two Valentine’s-themed beverages: the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Mocha and the Strawberries & Cream Rebel. These limited-time drinks featured festive touches like heart-shaped sprinkles, appealing to customers seeking seasonal treats.

How You Can Try It:

• Seasonal Product Launch: Develop limited-time products or services that align with Valentine’s Day themes, such as special flavors, designs, or packaging.
• Festive Presentation: Enhance products with holiday-specific decorations or packaging to create a memorable experience.
• Promote Exclusivity: Highlight the limited availability to encourage prompt purchases.

Suggestion: If you operate in the food and beverage industry, consider crafting seasonal items that resonate with the holiday’s themes to attract customers seeking unique experiences.

17. Helen Flanagan’s Lingerie Campaign with Nikki Intimates

The Promotion: Actress Helen Flanagan collaborated with Nikki Intimates for a Valentine’s Day-themed lingerie shoot, showcasing various designs and generating buzz on social media.

How You Can Try It:

• Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with influencers to promote your products through themed photoshoots or campaigns.
• Social Media Engagement: Leverage the influencer’s following to reach a broader audience and increase brand visibility.
• Highlight Product Features: Showcase different product styles or options to appeal to diverse customer preferences.

Suggestion: Partnering with influencers can enhance your brand’s reach and credibility, especially when promoting products like apparel or accessories.

18. Eckhaus Latta’s “Fall In Love” Event

The Promotion: Fashion brand Eckhaus Latta hosted a Valentine’s-themed event titled “Fall In Love” at the Russian Tea Room, featuring unique activities like personalized relationship status shirts and matchmaking sessions.

How You Can Try It:

• Host Themed Events: Organize events that align with Valentine’s Day, offering unique experiences related to your brand.
• Interactive Activities: Incorporate interactive elements that engage attendees and create memorable experiences.
• Collaborate with Partners: Partner with other brands or venues to enhance the event’s appeal and reach.

Suggestion: If feasible, hosting an event can create buzz and provide customers with a tangible connection to your brand.

19. Mondelez India’s Cadbury Campaigns

The Promotion: Mondelez India launched two Valentine’s Day campaigns: “Say it With Silk” for Cadbury Dairy Milk Silk, featuring limited-edition packaging with penguin designs to help express love, and a Cadbury 5 Star campaign targeting singles with humorous messaging.

How You Can Try It:

• Limited-Edition Packaging: Design special packaging for your products to commemorate Valentine’s Day.
• Targeted Messaging: Create campaigns that cater to different audience segments, such as couples and singles.
• Humor and Relatability: Use humor to connect with your audience and make your campaign memorable.

Suggestion: Tailoring your messaging to different customer groups can broaden your campaign’s appeal and effectiveness.

20. Aldi’s Budget-Friendly Valentine’s Offerings

The Promotion: Aldi offered affordable Valentine’s Day products, including a rosé wine priced under £2, appealing to budget-conscious consumers seeking quality gifts.

How You Can Try It:

• Affordable Product Lines: Introduce budget-friendly options that maintain quality, catering to price-sensitive customers.
• Value Bundles: Create bundles that offer perceived value, encouraging higher sales volumes.
• Highlight Savings: Clearly communicate the savings to attract cost-conscious shoppers.

Suggestion: Offering quality products at various price points can attract a wider customer base during Valentine’s Day.

Final Thoughts: Steal These Winning Strategies for Your Own Store

Valentine’s Day isn’t just another holiday—it’s a proven sales event that consumers actively shop for. The most successful campaigns in 2025 focused on:

– Subscription and loyalty incentives (Applebee’s)
– Fast, last-minute delivery options (Kroger, ProFlowers)
– Luxury and exclusivity (Goop, The Million Roses)
– Budget-friendly gift guides (Amazon)
– Premium product upgrades (UrbanStems)

By incorporating these strategies into your next Valentine’s Day promotion, you can drive more traffic, increase conversions, and create a standout campaign—without reinventing the wheel.