SINGAPORE, Jan. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Valentine's Day may not be seen as the most romantic day in the year, but 50% of people still expect a gift on February 14, according to a new survey by internet services company Rakuten.
The survey found that only 10% of people ranked Valentine's Day as the most romantic day in the year, behind a wedding anniversary (20%) and the respondent's own birthday (11%). In addition, there were those who felt that "every day is a romantic day" (21%) while others (15%) did not find any day romantic.
However, respondents -- including those who did not choose Valentine's Day as the most romantic occasion -- were split right down the middle when asked if they expected to get a gift for Valentine's Day, with more women (56%) than men (43%) expecting a present. Respondents in Singapore were the least expecting of a gift (36%), compared to the average of 50%.
The new findings are part of the Rakuten Shopping Secrets survey conducted on more than 2,500 men and women aged 20 to 60 in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Taiwan[i]. This is the second year running that Rakuten, an internet services company that runs online shopping sites across Asia, Europe and the Americas, has commissioned it.
The survey also found that people are likely to spend the most on their spouses (US$50.00), fiancés or fiancees ($46.30), boyfriends or girlfriends ($43.70) and themselves ($41.00), though bosses ($33.50), neighbours ($27.30) and even pets ($25.70) are likely to receive a gift as well, albeit one of a lower monetary value.
However, respondents seem to expect a gift in return of a much higher value from their other halves, with a trip or vacation, food and drink (including a self-cooked meal or a nice meal outside), fashion and accessories, jewellery and smart devices ranking as the top five gifts they are hoping to receive -- most of which are worth more than the $43.70 to $50.00 they are willing to spend.
This taste for receiving more expensive gifts seems to be supported by the fact that respondents believe "a trip or vacation", "a car, house or apartment" and jewellery are the gifts that best convey the words "I love you". Thankfully, respondents also chose relatively cheaper options such as flowers and soft toys, or those that money cannot buy -- their partners spending more time with them -- as the best tokens of love.
So my partner received a Valentine's Day gift from her ex…
Asians also appear to be somewhat secure in their relationships, with 61% of people probably or likely telling their partners if they received a Valentine's Day gift from their former partner.
When asked about their reaction if their partner receives a Valentine's Day gift from his or her former partner, 29% said they would not feel jealous at all, with more males (34%) than females (23%) escaping the green-eyed monster. However, some (26%) would feel jealous but not voice it out, some (20%) would confront their partner about it, while others (17%) would try to make a joke out of it. A smaller proportion would also try to out-do the former partner by buying an even better Valentine's Day gift (9%), which could be a good thing for their partners.
Valentine's Day shopping: An online affair
Based on the survey findings, online retailers can expect a flurry of activity in the lead-up to Valentine's Day, with 42% of respondents preferring to shop online for a Valentine's Day gift. Most cite convenience (70%), ease of keeping the gift a secret or surprise (53%), lower costs (31%), lack of time to go out to a shopping mall (31%) and special services provided by the online shopping site such as delivery or customisation (25%) as major reasons.
To provide more value to its customers, Rakuten will offer a 5% cash-equivalent rebate in the form of Rakuten Super Points for any and every purchase, on top of product deals and discounts. The 5% rebate is available on the following sites: Singapore (www.rakuten.com.sg), Malaysia (www.rakuten.com.my), Indonesia (www.rakuten.co.id), Thailand (www.tarad.com) and Taiwan (www.rakuten.com.tw).
| [i] |
The Rakuten Shopping Secrets survey was commissioned by Rakuten and conducted by an external research agency. More than 2,500 men and women in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Taiwan (500 people per market, with an equal split between men and women) were surveyed using an online methodology in October 2015. The respondents were aged between 20 to 60. |
About Rakuten
Rakuten, Inc. (4755:Tokyo), is one of the world's leading Internet service companies, providing a variety of services for consumers and businesses, including in the areas of e-commerce, eReading, travel, banking, securities, credit cards, e-money, logistics, portal and media, online marketing and professional sports. Since 2012, Rakuten was ranked among the world's 'Top 10 Most Innovative Companies' in Forbes magazine's annual list. Rakuten is expanding worldwide and currently operates throughout Asia, Europe, the Americas and Oceania. Founded in 1997, Rakuten is headquartered in Tokyo, with over 10,000 employees and partner staff worldwide.
