Why February is the New Frontier for Customer Loyalty

Think February is only about Valentine’s Day? Think again. We’re witnessing a major shift in consumer behavior: the rise of the “Self-Love Economy.” In our latest long-read, we explore why “self-gifting” is becoming a powerful driver for retail growth and how businesses can use this mid-winter moment to turn one-time shoppers into lifelong advocates.

This month, we are looking past the red roses and heart-shaped boxes to explore a much deeper trend: the shift toward “Self-Love” and long-term customer loyalty. As we move into 2026, the brands that succeed aren’t just selling products for a single day in February — they are building ecosystems that reward the individual all year long.

In this issue, we dive into the psychology of the “Self-Gifter,” share some of the most unusual gift cards we’ve ever seen and catch up on the latest retail trends for the year ahead. From psychological “pick-me-ups” to the power of micro-moments, discover how to keep your brand’s heart beating long after the chocolates have been eaten.

What awaits you in the SmartGifty Newsletter #2:

  • Deep Dive: Monthly feature article exploring the latest industry trends.
  • Tip of the Month: Our tip of the month to instantly enhance your sales strategies.
  • Audience Favorite: A second look at our most-read blog post from last month.
  • Smart Perspectives: Fresh insights and thoughts from our team on the future of gifting.
  • Curated Video Content: Hand-picked YouTube videos on sales, (digital) gift cards and loyalty programs.
  • Industry Spotlight: An exclusive featured article from Across Magazine.

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