ekmPowershop.com, the UK’s leading ecommerce software provider shows some interesting findings for Valentine’s gifts bought online this year.

We saw the usual; chocolates, flowers, underwear and general items in red or heart themed all selling out fast.

But the big surprise we found from our panel of online shop owners – the increased demand in pet treats! Certainly the most prominent finding for ekmPowershop.com this year, as our study profiled over 6000 online shops in the UK over the Valentine’s period.

When probing our busy online shop owners, Kelly Copeland of www.prettypawsaccessories.co.uk commented on what has become a massive growth industry both off and online:

“We do a lot on the heart ID tags, collars, "I love my mum" T shirts and any other Valentine type stuff. People want to buy their pets something now as they're a loved one also.”

And Dana Parry from www.spottiedottie.co.uk added “I'm doing a roaring trade in Valentine treats for dogs!“

As a nation of pet lovers it appears as though Valentine’s trade is reaching new levels, largely attributed to the online sector. Where could you buy your cat a diamante collar on the local high street? It’s possible there may be the odd shop up and down the country, but by in large most people wouldn’t know where to find such a shop… but they do online. 

As a holiday season, Valentine’s is a short, sharp burst. However for the week preceding February 14th many online shop owners say it’s as busy as Christmas, particularly within the industries you might normally associate with Valentines, as Jason Stanley from www.cupidlingerie.co.uk observes:

“It is probably on a level with Christmas in terms of volume of sales per day...but for a shorter period… We have also noticed an increase in sales of bra solutions (clear backed, and diamante backed bras) for backless dresses. Maybe the ladies are anticipating a special night out”

Jason also observed how men in particular ramp up their spending over the Valentine’s period: “We always notice an increase in sales of the higher end brands, and an increase in sales to gentlemen in the lead up to Valentine's Day.” 

So do men buy more presents at Valentines? Do men feel pressured to do so? Do women expect a present without buying one back? Or do men just shop online at the last minute more than women? 

Either way, whether you are male or female – don’t forget… pets have feelings (and Valentines) too.