Cuffing season has culminated: It’s Valentine’s Day. Known worldwide as the annual deadline for romance, when hearts race, rose petals scatter, and latecomers rush to find that perfect I love you – or let’s try this! – gift.
It can potentially be the Super Bowl of spicy sales, but what happens when Cupid’s big day sneaks up on you like a ghosted Tinder match? No sweat – here’s your crash course in whipping your store into a Valentine’s-ready love den faster than you can say, “vibrating couple’s ring.”
If You Got It, Flaunt It
Carefully curated displays go a long way in letting the products do the heavy lifting – especially for indecisive customers. Group complementary products in a themed section with clearly identifiable Valentine’s Day flair to entice both the newly initiated as well as the toy aficionados. Items arranged together can tell a story that customers may not even know they’re looking for, such as:
The “Let’s Stay In” Corner: Stock it with cozy must-haves like a JimmyJane’s Afterglow massage candle, warming lubes like Sliquid or Wicked Sensual Care, and a beginner’s wand like the Magic Wand Mini.
The Spicy Shelf: Showcase light bondage items like silky restraints, ticklers, and the ever-popular under-bed restraint systems – because nothing says “I care” like being tied down (consensually, of course).
Couples’ Connection Zone: Highlight wearable toys like the We-Vibe Sync or vibrating rings for hands-free multitasking.
The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Pre-made bundles are the MVP of last-minute Valentine’s Day shopping. Positioned near the checkout, they make it super simple for customers in a rush to grab and go. Your customers may not have time to curate the perfect vibe, but luckily, you do.
Love on the Go: Travel-sized lube, a necklace vibrator like the Crave Vesper (designed to make a statement, not a sound), wearable underwear vibrators/dildos, and a discreet storage pouch.
Sweet and Spicy: Chocolate body paint, a blindfold, and a beginner’s bondage kit.
Couple’s Connection: A vibrating couple’s cock ring like the Lovehoney Bionic Bullet Rabbit cock ring (it’s a rabbit!), silky restraints, and a sensual card game to break the ice… or melt it entirely.
Bath Bliss Bundle: Bubble bath, bath bombs, and a waterproof toy to ensure it is slippery when wet.
Make it Comfortable
Shopping for adult toys can be awkward and nerve-wracking, especially for first-timers trying to spice things up without accidentally buying a 50 Shades starter kit. This holiday tends to generate interest and sales in the low-to-mid range categories, and folks might be looking for an easy but incognito means of getting their freak on without a delivery showing up on their doorstep that screams ANAL PLUG.
To make your space as inviting as possible, ease their nerves by creating a private browsing area in a small, discreet corner. Swap signage from Bondage Gear to For the Adventurous or All Tied Up, for example. Subtle, yet effective.
The employees that customers interact with can create a make-or-break experience for some. This may read as obvious, but making sure your team is approachable and trained to answer questions with a straight face and zero judgment can go a long way in creating a fun, worry-free environment so that customers feel free to let their freak flag fly. Responsibly. While in public. Ensuring employees are knowledgeable and professional, offering assistance without making assumptions, helps customers feel respected and comfortable – who are then more likely to explore options and make purchases.
This season of love (or lust) may be brief, but even a quickie can be satisfying. Valentine’s Day is about connection – unless it’s also about experimenting with a paddle – but it doesn’t have to be a stressful sprint to the finish line. It can be a fun opportunity to flex your creative muscle and provide a great shopping experience because you’re not just selling products; you’re selling possibilities. Romance, even. And nothing says romance like a vibrating, clit-sucking rose. Happy Valentine’s Day–now go spread the love. And the lube.
