Thong or toaster for your one true love? Shropshire romantics have their say
It's the week in which every man in a relationship starts scratching his head over the question of just what to do for Valentine's Day this year.
And while florists and lingerie shops are stocking up for their annual rush, one store in Shropshire says it is also expecting more sales of toasters and kettles.
The original Factory Shop, which has branches in Market Drayton, Bridgnorth and Whitchurch, says men are turning away from tradition and getting practical.
That means that, as well as flowers and chocolates being given as gifts, women are just as likely to be given kitchenware.
The Original Factory Shop also sells lingerie, but says sales of undies have actually fallen year on year before Valentine's Day.
It says it expects to sell 44 per cent more kettles than perfume and toiletries and 41 per cent more toasters than thongs – showing that men believe all women really want this Valentine's Day is a cup of tea and some toast.
Debbie Roberts, store manager at The Original Factory Shop in Market Drayton, says: "We're seeing a rise in demand from customers for more practical gifts than traditional presents, particularly around Valentine's Day.
"It seems that couples are investing in more useful items that they need, such as kitchen gadgets and homeware."
Leanne Sleigh, who owns Buttercups Lingerie in Whitburn Street, Bridgnorth, says she is expecting plenty of men through the doors needing help this week.
Mrs Sleigh said that Christmas and Valentine's are the most popular times of year for men to visit her shop looking for gifts.
She said: "You can see them take a big breath before coming in – and then some of them make straight for the gift vouchers.
"But actually buying lingerie is much more romantic than just giving a voucher.
"Men may struggle on bust size, but they usually know their partner's dress size. So if a lady is bought a chemise and pants she can come in and pick a matching bra herself.
"But if men want to have the maximum choice when buying, they need to know the bust size as well as the dress size."
Mrs Sleigh said that another common issue is style and colour. Her advice to men would be, before embarking on a shopping trip, know what style of underwear they are going for.
She said: "There are two types of lingerie, bedroom wear or more functional day wear and men need to know which they want to buy.
"They need to remember not to buy what they like, but what their partner would like."
