Dining out the most popular option for Brits this Valentine's Day, British Retail Consortium research finds

With over half of the UK public intending to spend money on a spouse or partner this Valentine’s Day, the BRC, supported by Opinium, has surveyed 2,000 people to understand more about what they have planned.

Dining out was the most popular option, with 27% intending to take their partner out for a meal this Valentine’s Day. This was followed by cards (19%), flowers or drinks out (both 10%), or a trip away (4%), with 11% spending on other gifts.

Younger people were more likely to spend money on their significant other, with 65% of 18-34 year olds saying they would be spending money, compared with 57% for 35-54 year olds, and just 39% of the over 55s. 18-34 year olds were the most likely to do dinner, drinks or trips away, while 35-54 year olds were more likely to give cards, flowers or other gifts.

Other findings included:

• Men were more likely than women to spend on Valentine’s Day (55% vs 49%)

• Londoners were the most likely to spend money (64%), with the South West the least likely (39%)

• When it came to  cities, people near Sheffield were most likely to spend money (65%), while Plymouth was the least likely (30%).

• Sheffield was the most likely city for spending on dinner (35%) and/or cards (25%), while Belfast was most likely to do drinks out (18%), Southampton was most likely to give flowers, and Manchester was most likely to take a trip away (8%).

Kris Hamer, Director of Insight at the British Retail Consortium, says: “Valentine's Day is an important moment for millions of couples. Whether it’s dinner out, or a card and flowers, many lovebirds will be looking to spend a little extra this Friday. Retailers, restaurants and bars have all been preparing for weeks to make sure Valentine’s Day is a little extra special for all their customers." 

“It is an important day for the high streets too, with an important spending bump in the week leading up to the big day. So whether it’s chocolates, flowers, or something else, retailers are making sure there is something for everybody this Friday.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

UK retail will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which will open for entries in March, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.