Valentine’s Day in retail is fast, emotional, and often last-minute-for customers and teams alike. It’s also a great sales boost to beat the winter blues in the month of February.

According to the NR’s annual survey, consumer spending on this year’s expression of affection is expected to increase 5.7% to a record $29.1 billion, with candy being shoppers’ top gift-giving choice. The survey also found a record 35% of consumers will spend about $2.1 billion on Valentine's Day gifts for their pets this year. That's up from $1.7 billion in 2025.

February, which is also American Heart Month, reminds us that leadership, like retail, is about human connection. In the midst of traffic, targets, and time pressure, the retailers who win are the ones who lead with heart and clarity.

On that note, below are a few ”Sweetest Retail Tips” to help you do both through Valentine‘s Day, Presidents’ Day, and other key traffic drivers throughout the month of February. At MOHR Retail, we believe strong results follow strong leadership—and strong leadership always starts with how we show up for people.

Love the Customer You’re With

  • Instead of focusing on the line or the stock in the back room, focus on the person.
  • A warm greeting, eye contact, and one thoughtful suggestion can turn a rushed transaction into a memorable experience.

Make it Easy to Say “Yes”

  • Valentine‘s shoppers are often last-minute and stressed.
  • Clear signage, bundled gift ideas, and visible price points reduce decision fatigue and increase basket size.

Sweeten the Add-On

  • Coach teams to offer one simple, relevant add-on:

We have gift wrap available.

Most guests pair this with ....

Would you like a gift receipt?

How about a gift card?

Lead with Heart, not Hustle

  • High traffic can create tension
  • Remind leaders that calm energy is contagious. When leaders stay steady, teams follow.

Catch Someone Doing Something Right

  • Recognition is the fastest morale booster during peak periods.
  • A quick “I saw how you handled that customer—thank you” builds confidence in real time.

Prepare for the 14th ... and for what follows

  • Anticipate exchanges.
  • Prep team messaging for “I waited too long” shoppers.
  • Be ready for clearance strategy conversations.
  • Smart retailers think one step beyond the holiday buying spurts.

Retail Leaders Share What They Love About Retail

I recently talked with Chris Freeman, SVP of Operations at Michaels Stores; Jillian Wiese, Director of Learning & Development at Cavender’s; and seasoned retail executive Paul DeSousa about how they fell in love with retail and why they’re still passionate about the industry and the people.

Check out the full Valentine’s video series on our LinkedIn page to learn about their career journeys, what they love about retail, and their thoughts on what’s at the heart of staying passionate about retail.

Show your leaders some love this year

One of the best ways to show your leaders you value them is to invest in their development. Register now for our next RML Public Leadership Series.

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About Mary Beth Garcia

Mary Beth has worked with a variety of retail and hospitality clients as a strategic partner, delivering leadership, communications, retail programs, consulting, and executive coaching for such diverse companies as Academy Sports and Outdoors, Altar’d State, Amazon Fresh, Advanced Auto Parts, Bvlgari, Cardinal Health, Compass Group, Darden, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Foot Locker Group, Haggar Clothing, King Ranch, LVMH, Michaels, Saks Department Store Group, SMCP, Southeastern Grocers, TBC, TJX Companies, Ulta Beauty, and Whole Foods Market. Prior to her consulting work, Mary Beth spent more than 20 years in retail management and operations for companies such as Macys, g.Briggs, The Bombay Company, and Sunglass Hut International, holding numerous leadership positions in sales, store, district, and regional management and corporate communications, training, and operations. Based in Miami, FL, Mary Beth served on the Executive Advisory Board for the University of Florida’s Retail Education and Research Department from 2003-2014. She holds an A.A. Degree in Retail Management and Fashion Merchandising from Bauder College.