While the restaurants are almost all sold out on Tuesday evening, “there is clearly a Valentine’s Day effect” for lingerie, jewelry and perfumes, it is said at Galeries Lafayette.
“We have been full for ten days”: Manuel Godet, head of the Empreinte open “exceptionally” Tuesday evening, notes that even in times of crisis, lovers “want to have fun” and break their piggy bank to enjoy a menu at €86 per person. For the occasion, the good table put the small dishes in the big ones, with a dessert specially created for Valentine’s Day: a creamy violet heart with candied pomelos. In Tarbes or in the Hautes-Pyrénées, restaurants are already full almost everywhere or if this is not the case, last-minute customers should complete reservations, as at La Storia, the restaurant of Europe, which offers a quality menu without breaking the bank (€39 excluding drinks). In the Arsenal area, lovers are also there. “Customers are really ‘addicted’ to Valentine’s Day. It’s rooted in our culture” underlines Nicolas Rodriguez, manager of Koh Samui and Mamma (in addition to La Storia). “At our three restaurants, we offer a rose to one of the two spouses and dishes made with quality products, so that lovers can spend a tasty evening”.
Massages and bubbles at Aquensis
Lovers can also combine a gourmet moment with a “bubble” of relaxation, at Aquensis. As communication officer Virginia Bonillo points out, the Café des Thermes offers a specific meal associated with an aquapass. Duo treatments are also offered, such as the “Duo Lumière” massage where the couple is massaged simultaneously in a private cabin with a cocooning atmosphere. “For customers who have booked in advance, a little specific attention will be offered, such as a glass of champagne, knowing that Valentine’s Day takes place over a week when people want to have fun and is part of a period winter holidays where there is already a large attendance”.
Lingerie, jewelry, perfume: winning triplet at Galeries Lafayette
“There is clearly a Valentine’s Day effect,” says Delphine Lourmet, director at Galeries Lafayette. “Men are less intimidated than before to buy lingerie from their women, explains Maria Abadie, expert in lingerie. A few days before Valentine’s Day, we always observe an upward trend in sales. Women always appreciate see offering refined lingerie with beautiful lace. The trend is more towards red, the color of love”. In the jewelry department, it is more costume jewelry and watches that are successful, but the wealthiest budgets do not hesitate to break the bank for precious jewelry (diamonds and gold for women) from the Mauboussin brand. “Perfumery is also doing very well,” underlines Delphine Lourmet. “Perfume remains a safe bet like chocolate with an average budget that can be around €100. At the moment it’s rather ‘Irresistible’ by Givenchy that is in the lead,” says Géraldine, the department’s adviser.
