Small business retailers say they sell more Valentines Day gifts to people buying for their boy or girlfriend, and most of the sales take place the week before Valentines Days, according to survey results released today by DollarDays International.

DollarDays International is a premier Internet-based product wholesaler to small businesses and local distributors. The poll was featured on www.DollarDays.com and in the company’s online newsletter.

"For years DollarDays sales associates have helped retailers stock their stores with gifts and other Valentines Day novelties, but we were curious about their customer's buying habits," said Marc Joseph, chief executive officer of DollarDays. "According to these survey results, Valentines Day is an important retailing holiday with specific demographics, and carrying unique items geared toward their customer can help stores compete against small and big box retailers."

According to results, 56 percent of retailers say Valentines Day is a big selling period for their store with just over half (51%) saying it's bigger than Mother's Day.

The survey also shows that 43 percent are buying Valentines Day items for their boy or girlfriend, compared to 26 percent for spouses, and just 11 percent for friends. 69 percent of the store customers buy the week before Valentines Day.

"These statistics are interesting," said Joseph. "Waiting until the last minute to buy a Valentines Day gift gives the unmarried sweethearts the opportunity to change the recipient of their affection. Retailers need to carry more light hearted items that don't put too much love pressure on a couple."

In addition, retailers note that only 16 percent of customers complain about having to buy a Valentines Days gift compared to 82 percent who say they actually like shopping for this occasion.

The survey also detailed the most popular Valentines Day items sold in participating stores. These include:
• 17 percent stuffed animals;
• 16 percent gift baskets;
• 15 percent flowers;
• 13 percent chocolate candy;
• 11 percent jewelry;
• 10 percent adult cards; and
• 10 percent boxed cards for children.

This survey is part of an ongoing series of DollarDays questionnaires that gauge the attitude, opinion and general business conduct of small retailers nationwide.

DollarDays International is a Web-based virtual warehouse, where small business owners and charities can find great deals on small business-sized orders for more than 30,000 consumer products, from toys and household décor to apparel, electronics and seasonal merchandise. Due to its innovative business model, DollarDays prices are not only often far below those which most small business are accustomed to, but the offerings include many name-brand products as well as rock-bottom pricing on overstocked and closeout items. DollarDays International helps its customers to select those items, both seasonal and everyday, which sell quickly to promote both a higher inventory turn and better margins. In 2006, DollarDays made its debut at number 158 on Inc. Magazine 500 list of fastest growing private companies and recently was named one-of-50 second-stage Arizona “Companies to Watch” by the Arizona Small Business Association. DollarDays’ prices are among the lowest available to small businesses. Membership is free and any small business is eligible to shop at www.dollardays.com.