Blog: Valentine's Day is mushy but it might give the high street a boost

I’m not usually one for sentimental mush but there’s something about men desperately clamouring to get their hands on a bunch of roses on February 14 that brings a smile to my face.

There was lots of grinning this lunchtime then, as every other person I passed on my trip to M&S Simply Food in east London seemed to be clutching a bouquet.

This year, it feels like retailers across the spectrum are marketing Valentine’s Day more than ever. I seem to have a daily deluge of offers in my inbox for the ‘day of lovers’ from retailers as diverse as Urban Outfitters, Tesco, M&S and Paperchase.

And from the reaction of the frantic manager of my local M&S Simply Food, who was desperately trying to get the empty space where his Valentine’s Two Dine In for £20 deals should be replenished, the push seems to be paying off.

It has undoubtedly been tough across the high street post-Christmas, so perhaps today will provide a much needed fillip.

And, for those of you who find empty shelves at M&S and the like, all is not lost. Apparently one fifth of men get their gifts from the petrol forecourt. Best head to the local Esso garage.