Valentine’s Day is a special occasion celebrated worldwide, filled with love, gifts, and, of course, candy. For many people, the tradition of giving sweets to loved ones is one of the highlights of the holiday. However, after February 14th has passed, many consumers are on the lookout for discounts on Valentine’s candy. If you’re wondering when Valentine’s candy goes on sale, here’s what you need to know.
Post-Valentine’s Day Sales
The most significant markdowns on Valentine’s Day candy typically occur right after Valentine’s Day, starting on February 15th. Stores begin to clear out their Valentine’s-themed products to make room for the next seasonal holiday, such as Easter or spring-themed merchandise. During this time, you’ll find deep discounts, especially on chocolates, heart-shaped boxes of candy, and other Valentine-themed sweets.
When Can You Find Discounts?
- February 15th and 16th: On these days, many stores start marking down their Valentine’s candy by 50% to 75% off. You’ll find that large retailers such as Walmart, Target, and grocery stores will have prominent displays with heavily discounted candy.
- The Days Following February 14th: If you don’t get a chance to grab discounted candy on the 15th, it may still be on sale for several days after. In some cases, prices can drop even further after the initial clearance.
- A Week After Valentine’s Day: It’s not uncommon to see Valentine’s candy still on sale up to a week after the holiday. By this time, discounts can be up to 90% off. This is especially true for candy that has long shelf lives, like hard candies or boxed chocolates.
What Types of Candy Go on Sale?
After Valentine’s Day, the types of candy that are typically discounted include:
- Chocolate Boxes and Heart-Shaped Gifts: These are some of the most popular Valentine’s Day gifts, and many retailers will want to get rid of any unsold stock. Chocolates in heart-shaped boxes, especially those with love-themed packaging, will likely see the biggest price cuts.
- Valentine’s-Themed Candies: Candies such as conversation hearts, chocolate roses, and candy bars with heart designs are all heavily discounted. If you’re not looking for holiday-themed packaging and just want candy, these are the perfect options to grab at a bargain.
- Candy Baskets: Any gift baskets with Valentine’s-themed packaging that didn’t sell are often marked down. These might include a variety of candies, including chocolates, gummies, and other sweet treats.
- Gummy Candies and Non-Chocolate Options: While chocolates are typically the most sought-after after the holiday, other candy types, like gummy bears, lollipops, and taffy, will also see markdowns in the days after Valentine’s.
Why Does Valentine’s Candy Go on Sale So Soon?
The main reason for the rapid markdowns of Valentine’s candy is the need to clear out seasonal stock. Retailers want to make room for the next holiday’s products, such as Easter-themed goods, which will start arriving in stores shortly after Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s-themed packaging, which includes heart-shaped boxes, red wrapping, and themed decorations, is also only popular for a limited time, making it necessary to sell it off quickly.
Additionally, candy manufacturers produce large quantities of Valentine’s candy in anticipation of high demand leading up to February 14th. Once the holiday is over, the demand drops significantly, prompting retailers to clear out the leftover stock at reduced prices.
Tips for Shopping for Discounted Valentine’s Candy
If you’re looking to score some great deals on Valentine’s candy, here are a few tips:
- Act Fast: The best deals typically happen the first few days after Valentine’s Day. If you want to get the best selection, try to shop as soon as the candy is discounted, usually by February 15th.
- Check Multiple Stores: While large chain stores like Walmart and Target are known for their post-Valentine’s sales, smaller local grocery stores, pharmacies, and drugstores may also have great deals. Be sure to check around to find the best discounts.
- Shop Online: If you don’t want to deal with in-store crowds, many online retailers also offer post-Valentine’s Day sales. Websites like Amazon, Walmart.com, and Target.com typically have great deals on leftover Valentine’s candy.
- Buy in Bulk: If you don’t mind waiting until next year, you can buy candy in bulk after Valentine’s Day at a deep discount and store it for later. Just be mindful of the candy’s expiration date and shelf life.
Conclusion
Valentine’s Day candy typically goes on sale right after February 14th, with discounts starting as early as the 15th and continuing for several days after the holiday. If you’re hoping to score discounted candy, it’s best to shop early for the best selection and deals. Whether you’re looking for chocolates, gummies, or candy gift baskets, there’s always a chance to pick up something sweet at a fraction of the original price.