Only one third of consumers buying Valentine’s gifts on the high-street
Just a third (37%) of consumers are looking to high-street retailers for gifts this Valentine’s Day, down from 51% in 2024, according to new data from Yodel. The survey, of over 10,000 UK consumers, shows consumers moving towards online marketplaces such as eBay and Vinted, with a third (34%) looking for new gifts on the platforms and 15% purchasing second-hand.
The research, which comes as the second-hand economy continues to boom, shows that consumers are becoming less concerned about the origins of their Valentine’s gifts, with two-thirds (68%) of respondents admitting they don’t mind if gifts are second-hand, up from 63% in 2024. For those buying preloved this Valentine’s Day, over a quarter said it was because it is more environmentally friendly, whilst a fifth (23%) said it was to save money and one in 10 (13%) said it was because the recipient prefers it.
Last year, Yodel research uncovered nearly 30 million ‘microsellers’ across the UK selling second-hand items on online marketplaces. This surge has led to a boom in Yodel Direct, the company’s consumer-to-consumer delivery service, which has climbed 200% in recent years. The service is supported by Yodel’s Out of Home network of over 7,000 stores, supported by PayPoint.
Yodel’s findings also show a shifting landscape in the UK’s gifting habits this year, with the number of people looking to buy beauty and self-care items up 7% on last year. More people are also gifting electronics, subscription services, plus vintage and new clothing compared to last year whilst traditional Valentine’s Day favourites like food and drink are down 5%.