Despite a modest overall dip in Valentine’s Day spending (-14%) last Saturday, several categories spiked as romantic consumers shifted their focus to luxury treats and quality time together.
Bank of Ireland’s debit and credit card spending data for the full day of February 14th versus Valentine’s Day last year shows strong increases across pubs, jewellery, hotels and restaurants. The data highlights that while shoppers spent less on traditional gifts such as flowers and cards, they were more willing to invest in a special night out.
Jewellery spending also surged by 51% on the day itself, suggesting that more people left things last-minute for gifts this year. Hospitality also benefitted this year. Pubs saw the most dramatic rise, up 51%, although this was likely a mixture of ‘romance and rugby’ with the Ireland versus Italy rugby game landing last Saturday too. Restaurant spending was up 22% compared to Valentine’s Day last year and hotel stays rose 11%, with a strong appetite for romantic dining and overnight stays.
While some traditional categories such as flowers, experiences and perfumes recorded declines, the data highlights a clear shift in consumer preference with less emphasis on single‑use gifts and more investment in shared enjoyment.
Gerardo Larios Rizo, Head of Hospitality Sector, Bank of Ireland said: “Our Valentine’s Day data shows that while overall spending was slightly softer, people were still determined to make the day special. Instead of splashing out on single‑use gifts, consumers shifted to special moments such as a romantic dinner, a hotel stay or even celebrating ‘romance and rugby’ in their local pub. While some romantics shopped ahead, the spike in jewellery sales on the day itself suggests a rush of last-minute panic-buying this year.”
Bank of Ireland card spending – Feb 14th 2026 versus Feb 14th 2025
- Pubs (+51%)
- Jewellery (+51%)
- Restaurants (+22%)
- Hotels (+11%)
- Gift Websites (+4%)
- Chocolates flat year on year
- Flowers (-33%)
- Cards (-28%)
- Perfume (-6%)
