City Affairs

Traders paint Nairobi CBD red amid Valentine's Day sales boom

By Manny Anyango | Wednesday, February 14, 2024

The products which include gift hampers and flowers range from as low as Sh500 to Sh2,500.

On Wednesday, businesses around Nairobi capitalised on love birds' spending spree during Valentine's Day.

Traders took advantage of the day to make money and salvage themselves from the tough economic times.

Keep reading

On Monday and Tuesday, retailers had already set up flower stands, decorated with red to attract their customers ahead of Valentine's Day.

This year, they hope that not only will hearts be fluttered but also profits will be made.

Godfrey Kamau says it has been his tradition since 2019, to set up a mini shop along Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), to make it easier for partners to put a smile on their loved ones.

“By the way, I not only sell items for couples, I also have cards dedicated to mums, daughters, fathers and brothers,” he said.

He however noted that throughout the years, his customers have mostly focused on their partners and forgotten others.

“On a day like today, I expect to make at least Sh3,000 by close of business, for Tuesday, the surge will increase as Valentine’s Day is on Wednesday.”

Traders sell their Valentine's products in the Nairobi CBD on February 12, 2024. (Photo: Manny Anyango)

On Kamau's rack, he displayed chocolates, flowers ( all kinds) and a gift hamper (that has chocolate, a romantic card and a flower) among others.

The products range from as low as Sh500 to Sh2,500.

Colours, fashion

Mary Njiru, on the other hand, looks forward to the colour coordination that comes around with Valentine’s Day.

On her rack, Njiru sells red shoes, scarves and dresses. She specifically specialises in Valentine's attire as she studied fashion in school.

“A pair of red heels goes for Sh1,500 and I hope to see more customers in the coming hour, as the day is just ahead of us. I enjoy seeing people wear red on Valentine’s Day, red is such a powerful colour,” she said.

Njiru says the prices range from Sh500 to Sh5,500 for the dresses and scarves.

She notes that lovers should not only focus on gifting their partners on Valentine’s Day but should express their love every day.

Traders sell their Valentine's products in the Nairobi CBD on February 12, 2024. (Photo: Manny Anyango)

Other hawkers walk around the CBD with flowers, wooing Kenyans who are queuing to board matatus, and those who are walking.

They walk around with natural and artificial flowers, which retail from between Sh200 to Sh700 depending on a customer's choice.

On the other hand, gift shops and the hospitality industry also aim to make profits during Valentine's.

Several restaurants across the city have come up with packages for the day, in a bid to attract more customers.

There are discounts on meals, with an attractive name including candle-lit dinners, hotel rooms and any other services that will be accessed on Valentine’s Day.

There are several packages for road trips, movie nights, and holiday destinations, showing a different kind of energy as opportunities to make extra cash are now available.