Data: M&S sales surge as shoppers spend almost £1bn on Valentine’s Day
M&S was among one of the winners last month as shoppers spent £962m across Valentine’s Day.
M&S was among one of the winners last month as shoppers spent £962m on Valentine’s Day.
NIQ reported that spending on cut flowers was up 6.6% to £100m, perfume sales were up 11% to £19m and £137m was spent on fresh ready meals.
It found retailers had embraced the occasion, with promotional spend contributing to 24% of sales in the week ending 15 February driven by price cuts and Dine-In offers.
Store sales were up 4.3%, while online orders were flat at 0.7%.
Related Story
NIQ reported that M&S’ Dine-in for two for £25 helped drive sales up 10.8% this Valentine’s Day as almost one in four shoppers visited the retailer’s food halls in the last four weeks.
Ocado remaining the fastest growing retailer with revenue up 16.1%, while Tesco led the growth of the nation’s big four supermarkets over the past 12 weeks as sales rose 5.5%.
Sainsbury’s followed closely behind with revenue up 4.7%, while Waitrose’s growth improved 3.8% with an increase in shoppers compared to a year ago.
NIQ head of retailer and business insight Mike Watkins said: “Retailers capitalised on the opportunities around Valentine’s Day as shoppers wanted to create a special occasion at home.
“With the pinch of the cost of living, many shoppers dined in to save money this year, with premium food options growing and themed meals and gifts very much in vogue for treating loved ones.
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
