Australian Love Birds Shop Local

Tristan Cotterill

Australians will overwhelmingly turn to their local shopping centres for inspiration and gift purchasing this Valentine’s Day, according to Shopper’s latest study.

The results offer insights on where Australians will be shopping for Valentine’s Day, as well as when they shop and where they are seeking gift inspiration for their loved ones. More than 5000 Australians over the age of 18 were surveyed in shopping centres nationally.

Valentine’s Day is a time when Australians eagerly seek meaningful and heartfelt gifts for their loved ones, often turning to shopping centres as a hub for inspiration and last-minute finds. With aisles adorned in shades of red and pink, these centres create an atmosphere that sparks ideas for the perfect present, from timeless classics like flowers and chocolates to more personalized tokens of affection.

Among the many thoughtful gift options for Valentine’s Day, flowers remain a timeless expression of love and affection. There’s something uniquely enchanting about a beautifully arranged bouquet, carefully crafted to convey the perfect message.

Expert florists, with their keen eye for detail and artistry, can transform fresh blooms into breathtaking arrangements that leave a lasting impression. From classic roses symbolizing romance to vibrant mixed bouquets that celebrate the joy of connection, flowers have an unmatched ability to speak from the heart.

For those looking to make the day truly special, selecting the highest quality flowers ensures that the gesture will be remembered and cherished long after Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re surprising someone nearby or sending your love from afar, finding a reliable service is key to ensuring your gift arrives with care. Services like Long Island flower delivery make it easy to share the beauty of expertly arranged blooms, no matter where your loved one may be.

These florists not only prioritize freshness and quality but also provide a seamless experience, allowing you to focus on the joy of giving. With the right florist, a simple bouquet becomes a meaningful expression of love, perfectly suited to the magic of Valentine’s Day.

Interestingly, online platforms also play a significant role in shaping gift decisions, providing curated selections and unique options for those looking to go beyond the traditional. For instance, the Baskets Galore website offers an extensive range of thoughtful hampers, making it easier than ever for shoppers to find something special that aligns with their sentiments. As the countdown to Valentine’s Day begins, the blend of physical and digital retail spaces ensures that no one is left empty-handed when expressing their love.

Alex Lavan, Marketing and Sales Strategist at Shopper, told us “Our results show that Valentine’s Day continues to be a demonstrative way to celebrate all kinds of love and friendship for many Australians. Nearly half of Australians surveyed are planning to buy a present or celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, and a staggering 89 percent are planning to make their purchase at their local shopping centre. Australians continue enjoy the freedoms post the pandemic and not even the cost-of-living pressures will not hold them back from celebrating this year. It is estimated that Australians fork out $178 each (on average) on Valentine’s Day, at a national cost of $1.1 billion. Over half of that will be spent on presents, flowers and chocolates.”

Maddie Jackson a young, single 24-year-old is not missing out on embracing love this Valentine’s Day, she was quoted as saying “Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to catch up with girlfriends over dinner and a nice bottle of wine. It’s not how most people will plan to spend the evening I know, but it’s just another reason to get together with the girls”.

Local shopping centres can expect a busy week ahead as most Valentine shoppers (59%) are happy to wing it, either purchasing a present one week prior (39%) or waiting until the day (20%) to splash out.

Popular gifts on Australians’ buying lists include the traditional chocolates (33%) and flowers (30%), with clothing and accessories (24%), jewellery (25%) and gift vouchers (22%) all coming in as ‘go-to’ options for loved ones. As most of these products are easily purchased within local shopping centres it explains why 85% of Australian shoppers agree that advertising in shopping centres provides inspiration for their Valentine’s Day gifts.

The latest Shopper study also revealed that:

  • 72% Australians research a gift after seeing it advertised in a shopping centre.
  • 71% say they were inspired to purchase a gift after seeing it advertised in a shopping centre.

Alex Lavan added “With local shopping centres at the heart of inspiration and purchase for love struck Australians, Shopper’s network of dynamic and targeted digital out-of-home advertising offers brands the perfect channel to woo consumers while they’re in a shopping mindset”.

Celebrations are expected to remain close to home, with seven in ten Australians planning on celebrating locally, while just one in four expecting to travel interstate to meet with a loved one.


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