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UK singles set to reclaim Valentine’s Day

63% of single people will celebrate Valentine’s Day with friends
53% of singletons are looking forward to treating themselves to a gourmet feast
Year on year sales of party foods up by 165% and Easy to cook meals for one up 39%
Ocado creates ‘Table For You’ aisle in response to customer demand

The nation’s singles are set to celebrate their status on Valentine’s Day proving that February 14th isn’t just reserved for loved up couples. Single Brits are marking the occasion by spoiling themselves at home or by partying with fellow footloose friends according to a study by
online retailer Ocado.

Nearly two-thirds (63%) of the nation’s unattached are raising a glass to flying solo this year by partying with their single mates. 53% felt that they were entitled to treat themselves, with over a third (37%) preparing to pamper and a further 32% looking forward to dining on decadent food. One in two singles defiantly declared that having a partner would not enhance their Valentine’s this year.

This change in consumer behaviour has had a knock on retail effect, with Ocado reporting a huge 165% increase in the sales of party foods and a staggering 238% increase in tapas foods year on year. Dips are up by nearly a third (29%) and desserts up by 39%. Sales of Charlie Bigham’s gourmet ready meals have risen by 29% and easy-to-cook meals-for-one are up 39% - proving that the 45% of singles claiming they are both happy and relieved to be spending the day on their own are clearly enjoying themselves.

Jason Gissing, Ocado Co-Founder commented: “Our research has shown that nearly a third of people believe brands should cater more for singles on Valentine’s Day and we’ve responded to this change in customer demand by introducing the world’s first Table For You aisle alongside our more traditional Valentine’s shop. From snacks and dips to champagne, indulgent bath treats and luxury meals for one, customers can order the ultimate singles party or pampering package in just a few clicks at ocado.com and have it delivered straight to their kitchen table whenever they like. Just call us cupid!” The best place to be single in the UK this Valentine’s Day is the North East, with nearly a third of singletons (32%) admitting that they were happiest to be unattached. Meanwhile Welsh singles are least looking forward to February 14th with 41% of them confessing that facing Valentine’s alone made them feel sad.

The prospect of partying is most popular in London and the South East, with nearly three quarters (72%) of singles in London and the South East admitting that they are looking forward to indulging with their friends. Over a quarter of those in Yorkshire (26%) are planning a much more relaxed night in, aiming to treat themselves by kicking back with a rom com movie.

Across the UK, whilst over two fifths of single women are planning to pamper themselves, nearly a third of men said that they are relieved to be spending the day alone, opting instead to splurge on gourmet food.

To find Ocado’s Table For You aisle simply go to www.ocado.com/tableforyou

UK singles set to reclaim Valentine’s Day

63% of single people will celebrate Valentine’s Day with friends
53% of singletons are looking forward to treating themselves to a gourmet feast
Year on year sales of party foods up by 165% and Easy to cook meals for one up 39%
Ocado creates ‘Table For You’ aisle in response to customer demand

To find Ocado’s Table For You aisle simply go to www.ocado.com/tableforyou

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Table For You Sir?