Valentine's Day Prep: Best Practices for Walmart Sellers to Maximize Sales Opportunities‍

January 23, 2025
5 minutes

It’s mid-January, and while the sparkle of the holiday season has faded, love is in the air. Valentine’s Day is just four weeks away, and shoppers are already on the lookout for the perfect gift to show how much they care—whether it’s a dazzling necklace, a cozy candle, or a heart-shaped box of chocolates.

Valentine’s Day isn’t just another holiday, it’s a chance to make your store the go-to destination for heartfelt gifts. But to truly steal the spotlight, you need to start preparing now. Waiting until the last minute could mean the best opportunities might have already passed you by. 

This guide is here to help you prepare for the season of love. Let’s make sure your store stands out and captures hearts.

Create an Irresistible Valentine’s Day Listing

Make your product listings irresistible this Valentine’s Day by focusing on clarity and appeal. Use high-quality images that showcase your products in a romantic or festive setting, and write detailed descriptions emphasizing features that make them perfect for Valentine's gifts. For example, highlight the softness of a plush teddy bear, the luxurious aroma of a scented candle, or the personal touch of customizable jewelry. Incorporate Valentine-specific keywords like "romantic gifts," "Valentine's Day essentials," or "perfect for your sweetheart" to boost search visibility.

A thoughtfully optimized listing not only grabs attention but also increases your chances of turning browsers into buyers.

Focus on High-Demand Valentine's Day Products

Certain products experience increased demand during the Valentine's season. Consider featuring items such as:

  • Jewelry: Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are popular gifts.
  • Beauty Products: Skincare sets, fragrances, and makeup essentials.
  • Home Decor: Heart-shaped decorations, scented candles, and romantic-themed items.
  • Sweet Treats: Heart-shaped chocolates, candy assortments, and gourmet cookies.
  • Personalized Gifts: Customized items like monogrammed wallets or engraved jewelry.

The spending preferences show strong demand for certain categories:

  • 68% Buy candy
  • 52% Buy greeting cards
  • 35% Plan a nice dinner at home
  • 20% Opt for a dinner out

Highlighting these products can attract more customers during the Valentine's season. 

Capture New Hearts with Walmart Sponsored Ads

Sponsored Brand and Video campaigns on Walmart are powerful tools to attract new customers this Valentine’s season. Highlight your products and create memorable impressions with these strategies:

  • Showcase Valentine’s Day Collections: Use Sponsored Brand ads to promote curated gift sets like “Top Gifts for Her” or “Romantic Dinner Essentials,” complete with festive visuals and seasonal messaging.
  • Engage with Video: Create short, eye-catching Sponsored Videos that demonstrate your products as perfect Valentine’s gifts, such as a couple enjoying a candlelit dinner or a heartfelt teacher gift.
  • Optimize with Seasonal Keywords: Include terms like “romantic gifts” and “Valentine’s Day essentials” to boost visibility and drive clicks.

Pro Tip: Prioritize keywords that drive clicks and conversions. Use the Keyword Report and Item Keyword Report from your Sponsored Search Performance Dashboard to identify and incorporate high-performing keywords throughout your item pages.

Timing also matters. More than half of shoppers start purchasing their Valentine's Day gifts in January, more than four weeks in advance. The remaining shoppers tend to buy their gifts one to two weeks before the holiday, while a very small percentage waits until the same day to make their purchases.

Tip: Start planning search campaigns at least four to three weeks in advance. Test bid ranges, set daily budget caps, and harvest keywords to ensure your item pages are retail-ready. 

Spread the Love with Promotions and Discounts

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to win over customers with promotions that make gifting even sweeter. Consider these strategies to capture hearts and boost sales:

  • Romantic Discounts: Offer percentage-based or dollar-off discounts on popular Valentine’s items to encourage purchases. Highlight phrases that create a festive vibe.
  • Giftable Bundles: Create curated bundles, such as a "Romantic Night In" set with candles and chocolates or a "Self-Care Love" kit with skincare products. Bundles offer convenience and added value, making gift-giving easier for shoppers.
  • Fast Shipping for Last-Minute Shoppers: With Walmart shipping solutions, offer 2- or 3-day delivery to ensure gifts for loved ones arrive just in time. Promote this perk prominently to win over last-minute buyers.

4 Top Shipping Solutions for your Walmart Bussines

Be sure to clearly display these offers in your product listings, ads, and marketing materials. A well-communicated promotion can make your products stand out and motivate customers to shop with you this Valentine’s Day.

The Go-To Practices
  • Deliver Heartfelt Customer Service: Valentine’s Day shoppers are often on a mission to find the perfect gift. Promptly respond to inquiries, ensure smooth order fulfillment, and simplify your return process to create a positive customer experience. Exceptional service builds trust, encourages repeat business, and can lead to glowing reviews that set you apart.
  • Harness the Power of Social Media for Love-Inspired Campaigns: Engage shoppers by sharing Valentine’s Day-themed content on social platforms. Showcase your products in romantic or celebratory settings, and highlight customer testimonials. With 40% of online shoppers turning to social media for recommendations, a strong presence can drive traffic to your Walmart listings and boost sales.
  • Stock Up on Ready Inventory: Anticipate increased demand for popular Valentine’s Day items like candy, stuffed animals, jewelry, and home decor. Use past sales data and trends to forecast your inventory needs and avoid stockouts during this high-traffic season.
  • Keep Eye on Performance: Regularly monitor your product listings, ad campaigns, and promotions to ensure they’re resonating with shoppers. Use Walmart’s analytics tools to track customer behavior, identify trends, and fine-tune your strategies. Flexibility and data-driven adjustments can help you stay competitive during the season of love.
Final Thoughts

Valentine's Day is a prime opportunity to boost sales and connect with customers. To stand out, optimize your product listings, highlight high-demand items, and offer promotions like discounts or gift bundles. Sponsored Brand and Video campaigns can help increase visibility, while timely shipping options cater to last-minute buyers.

By delivering exceptional customer service, engaging with social media, and stocking up on popular items, you’ll create a memorable shopping experience. Start early, and let your store be the go-to destination for Valentine's Day gifts this season.

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John Doe
Marketing Manager, SellCord