Consumer spending is expected to record a notable uptick during the 2026 Valentine’s weekend as the celebration falls on a Saturday, giving shoppers a full weekend to plan dates, trips and experiences. Analysts say the timing is likely to boost expenditure across dining, accommodation, travel, gifting and other experience-driven categories, both online and in-store.
Financial data from First National Bank (FNB) indicates that spending around Valentine’s Day has shown consistent growth in recent years, with consumers increasingly prioritising experiences over material gifts. The bank projects stronger transaction volumes this year, driven by flexible weekend planning and last-minute purchases.
Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that FNB’s Head of Retail Spend, Akshay Bhayroo, said consumer behaviour in 2025 already showed a clear willingness to spend during the Valentine period. According to him, customer transactions rose by 7.6 per cent on Valentine’s Day last year, while in-store spending climbed to R209 million, representing a 16 per cent year-on-year increase. Online spending also reached R84 million, recording steady growth.
Further insights reveal that overall credit card spending during Valentine’s week in 2025 hit R1.76 billion, with online transactions increasing by six per cent year-on-year. On Valentine’s Day alone, credit card purchases were up by 11.4 per cent compared to the previous year.
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Spending patterns showed men accounting for 57 per cent of customers, while women represented 43 per cent. Major urban centres such as Sandton, Pretoria and Cape Town dominated spending activity, reflecting sustained demand for premium dining, accommodation and experiential offerings. Consumers aged 30 to 49 recorded the highest spending volumes, while those aged 20 to 29 posted the fastest growth, with expenditure rising by 32 per cent year-on-year.
Category-level data highlighted strong performance in accommodation, restaurants and gifting. On the day itself, accommodation spending increased by 14 per cent, chocolates by 18.3 per cent, flowers by 28.4 per cent, gifts by 31.1 per cent, and restaurant spending by 25.8 per cent year-on-year.
Bhayroo noted that the trend reflects a shift in how consumers mark Valentine’s Day. With the celebration coinciding with a weekend, customers have greater flexibility to book trips, plan experiences and spread spending across multiple categories. Based on previous trends and the 2026 calendar, financial institutions expect continued momentum in travel, leisure and hospitality spending as couples and groups plan getaways and shared experiences.
