U.S consumers are projected to spend a whopping $18.2 billion, yes billion, on Valentine’s Day this year.
A holiday that was once meant to honor St. Valentine has now turned into one of the highest consumer spend days in the United States. According to the National Retail Federation, U.S consumers are projected to spend a whopping $18.2 billion, yes billion, on Valentine’s Day this year. So what is all of that money spent on? Here’s a quick breakdown from NRF.
With the projected spend above, companies have been planning their marketing campaigns and innovative packaging ideas for months in advance to prepare for the big day. Here’s a look at some of the trends for 2017.
You can never go wrong with sweets! Creative companies such as Baked Bouquet, a Bakery Florist, have gone above and beyond the edible fruit bouquet craze to create cupcake floral arrangements. They pride themselves on making the most realistic looking bouquets that are completely edible! The end result is incredibly impressive and the bouquets are delivered in glass vases and special handcrafted gift boxes to complete the experience.
GODIVA has gone above and beyond with their packaging this year to emphasize elegance and hint to the decadent treats awaiting inside. Their heart shaped red satin box has a plush top and features delicate embroidery.
One of the newest trends in flowers this year is preserved roses in luxurious hand crafted boxes. Companies such as The Million Roses, Inc. and LUXE BLOOM treat fresh cut roses with a rehydration process and place them in a mixture made from glycerin and other plant elements. The liquid gradually rises through the trunk until it completely substitutes the sap. This process enables the roses to last up to a year with minimal care, no water needed! Their customized hand crafted soft touch boxes add the finishing touch to the luxurious gift.
Something that is traditional and will never get old is the thoughtful gesture of a Valentine’s Day card. According to Hallmark, approximately 114 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged industry-wide, making Valentine’s Day the second-largest holiday for giving greeting cards. A lot of card companies are moving towards the use of 100% recycled paper and eco-friendly materials for their products. You can find these environmentally friendly options on websites such as Minted and Botanical Paperworks. Botanical Paperworks uses Seed Paper that is made with post-consumer materials and embedded with actual seeds! When the paper is planted in a pot of soil, the seeds grow and the paper composts away. All that is left behind is flowers, herbs or vegetables and no waste. Talk about a multipurpose gift!
At EPE we are always looking for the newest and most innovative packaging designs. This season it’s all about packaging that aims straight for the heart!
