Research from Central England Co-operative shows we are a nation of ‘old romantics’ when it comes to our Valentine’s Day shopping habits

NEW Central England Co-op research into customer shopping habits has revealed we are still a nation of ‘old romantics’ – with a dozen red roses and a box of chocolates remaining the favourite gift for loved ones.

The research on shopping trends around Valentine’s Day 2018 revealed that the top selling flowers in stores around the big day were Co-op Fairtrade 12 Red Roses and the top selling confectionery was Cadbury’s Milk Tray.

The findings suggest shoppers continue to fall back on the traditional and winning formulas to woo their loved ones on Valentine’s Day. The research also suggests that though people remain old romantics, they still tend to leave Valentine’s purchases until the very last minute.

Data from 2018 shows a sharp increase in purchases in the days directly prior to Valentine’s Day and on the day itself, compared to a typical week at Central England Co-op Food Stores, suggesting shoppers don’t plan ahead or perhaps are likely to forget until the day itself! This seems particularly true with shoppers picking up a favourite tipple to celebrate the day, with the research showing a spike in sales for alcoholic drinks on Valentine’s Day 2018, peaking at 5pm when people head home from work.


Shoppers visiting Central England Co-op Food Stores will again be able to pick up the traditional favourites this Valentine’s Day and the retailer is offering a fantastic deal of a bottle of fizz and a box of chocolates for only £10. The deal, available from February 6, includes the award-winning Co-op Irresistible Prosecco and Co-op Irresistible Rosato Spumante, with the chocolates featured in the deal the Lindor Milk, Strawberries and Cream and Assorted 200g boxes.

Couples can also enjoy new and more unique products such as Gordon’s Pink Gin (70cl) priced at £16, with the deal including a free glass, as well as new sweet treats on offer for 2019, such as Co-op Spring Bear Chocolate Lollies and Co-op ‘I Love You Berry Much’ sweet cups. They could also have a romantic night-in with the ‘Irresistible’ range meal deal for two, made up of a main, side and a dessert (or two sides instead of a dessert for those who do not have a sweet tooth) for just £8.

For more information on Valentine’s products available at Central England Co-op, please visit https://www.centralengland.coop/deals/