By Maggie Gioia

With Valentine’s Day just one week away, shoppers will be out and about collecting all the V-Day essentials. The number one pick? Sweets. In 2022, 44% of consumers opted to gift candy – particularly boxes of chocolate – allowing convenience stores to secure the top spot for all things Valentine’s Day treats. As the retailer most responsible for candy sales, here’s how c-stores can maximize their Valentine’s Day offerings.

Brach’s Friends Conversation Hearts

Could these BE any more perfect? This nostalgic twist on the Valentine’s classic is a must-have. As one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, Friends items sell themselves. Pair Friends with Brach’s Conversation Hearts and you have a recipe for sweet success. Brach’s parent company, Ferrara, is the number one player in seasonal non-chocolate confections, and with the resurgence of nineties trends dominating the retail space, Brach’s Friends Conversation Hearts are both timely and relevant. Incorporate the sugary treat in your Valentine’s Day display to attract Gen X, Millennial and Gen Z populations who identify with the popular nineties TV show.

Friends Conversation Hearts
Reese's PB Heart 6 Pack

Reese’s Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Hearts

Again and again, Reese’s seasonal milk chocolate and peanut butter treats are proven winners. On average, Valentine’s Day shoppers purchase 58 million pounds of chocolate a year, with category spending reaching $2.4 billion. Retailers can get in on the action by being sure to stock up on holiday favorites like Reese’s Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Hearts. With countless sizes and packaging options to choose from, there is no reason not to carry this seasonal staple.

Dove Dark Chocolate Truffles Heart Tin

Dove is the leader of quality Valentine’s Day chocolates, and nothing says I love you more than indulgent dark chocolate truffles. This year, consumers can expect the rich dark chocolate truffles they know and love to be packaged in a new, red, heart-shaped tin, wrapped thoughtfully in a bow and ready for gifting. The premium chocolate brand utilizes this sleek and timeless packaging to enhance the elegance factor, helping retailers to not only increase sales, but also elevate the shopping experience.

Dove Dark Chocolate Truffles Heart Tin

According to the National Retail Federation, American consumers spent $23.9 billion – or roughly $175.41 per person – on Valentine’s Day last year. With numbers like that, convenience stores will be receiving lots of love this Valentine’s Day! There’s still time to prepare, but not much! Act now with National Convenience Distributors wide selection of Valentine’s Day products!