As February kicks in, Valentine’s Day brings a heartwarming reason to unabashedly celebrate and love and gift giving. Consumers worldwide get caught up in that spirit; in the US alone, spending for the occasion will again hit (or exceed) $25B.
At MyRegistry.com, we’re all about any holiday that inspires gifting and creates possibilities for our partners to boost sales. But, Valentine’s Day holds a special place in our hearts because it focuses on thoughtfulness and connection – something a gift registry embodies. Your gift registry provides a seamless way for customers to show support for each other and build stronger relationships with you at the same time.
A gift registry is an impactful, cost-effective way to demonstrate commitment to customers. By offering personalized attention, service and support, you build trust, generate goodwill, and foster a virtuous cycle of appreciation that leads to stronger sales and loyalty. We love all that win-win going on!
What Makes Your Registry So LOVABLE for Customers
Here’s why a registry warms the heart of a customer.
- Registry use is a simple, convenient way to get what is wanted. Customers want to surround themselves with products and experiences curated to reflect their lifestyles; there is little tolerance for clutter or waste.
- In a few quick minutes, customers can create a list of favorites, minimizing risk of receiving an unwanted gift. No more awkward moments of pretending to like something they don’t.
- It’s just as easy to share the registry with the tools provided to your registrants. Gift givers can quickly find what’s wanted by visiting your site/store or coming to MyRegistry.com. That’s a stress saver for all Registrants who can take heart in knowing they made the process simpler for family and friends – thanks to you.
Gift tracking is streamlined and reliable.
- Time is valuable, and consumers appreciate services that make life easier. Your registry delivers – for registrants and gift givers alike.
- Registrants don’t want to deal with duplicate gifts that create return/exchange hassles. They also want to manage thank you notes that need to go out. That makes them look good – and you get the credit.
- At the same time, gift givers also benefit because registry updates ensure they can confidently shop without worry of giving a duplicate gift.
It’s an easy way for loyal customers to support a brand/store favorite.
- Consumers want to support their local stores or brand favorites whenever they can, but it has to be easy to do.
- It is easy because your gift registry has universal features that allow customers to have it all. They can create a registry with you and then add items from other stores as well. There’s no need to juggle multiple gift lists or face an ‘either or’ decision.
Why You’ll LOVE a Registry, Too
Gifting is a huge part of consumer shopping, and when you make the process easy and enjoyable, it leads to lasting customer loyalty. That’s a priceless brand win. When you make gifting a truly joyful experience, registry users will show their love for you in many ways.
Registry use drives more business from what you already have going on – how efficient is that?
- A positive registry experience brings them back for more shopping and turn customers into brand ambassadors. Registrants may even treat themselves while managing their gift lists. Along the way, you’ll see them return to refresh their registries. Alternatively, consider enticing them to ‘complete’ their registry and capture more sales into the future. They may even create a new list for another event, prompting another cycle of gifting and access to more gift givers.
- Gift givers have been known to add-on sales during the gift shopping. While not officially tracking your registry data, you can expect to see additional sales from the process. More importantly, our data shows that a majority of gift givers are new to your customer database. They represent new customer prospects, and you didn’t need to invest in an acquisition program to find them. Go get them!
Even better, gift sales are often more profitable for you
- Gift purchases tend to be full priced sales since they are timed to align with event dates, not your promotional calendar. Customers typically have a budget in mind and focus on items in their price range.
- Returns and exchanges are minimal; our data shows they are in the low single digits. That means you avoid those costs as well.
Capture valuable shopping patterns and top gifting favorites
- Registry use generates all sorts of valuable data. Aside from all the information you collect about registry users, you can monitor popular gifts choices as well as how people shop. Use this information to refine merchandising planning and marketing. The data is available through your partner dashboard so save on any extra research costs.
Start sharing the love – show you have that lovin’ feeling.
As we move further into 2025, take this opportunity to refresh your registry materials and messaging. Give them a new seasonal look – both online and in stores.
Promote the registry in any gift-centric marketing and merchandising you do.
- Whether online or in-store, make your gift registry a key part of your marketing and communications efforts. Constantly remind customers that you are the ‘go-to’ for thoughtful, personal gifts. Keep mentions persistent so when any customer is ‘registry ready,’ they will think of you first. Weave in registry when merchandising any gift ideas.
- Even now, it’s not too late to leverage Valentine’s Day.
Create new looks for any registry marketing materials you share
- Whether online or in-store, add a bright seasonal design.
(Re)connect with current registry users and strengthen those relationships.:
Use Valentine’s Day as the perfect excuse to talk up new merchandise flowing in and invite them to shop – on or off a registry. Either way, you’ll love the activity it spurs now and into the future.
Show that you understand the needs of your customers and are there to provide them with a hassle-free gifting experience – for events big and small. You make it all easier for them and in return will strengthen relationships and build long-term loyalty. As Valentine’s Day approaches, spread the love – one registry at a time!
We’d love to help you maximize registry activity this year. Contact us at marketingguru@myregistry.com and let’s build your business.