Valentine's Day Marketing Watch

One of the things I look forward to most in the New Year is the onslaught of clumsy, awkward, and often hilarious press releases that cross my virtual desk anticipating Valentine's Day. North American's spend over $13 billion dollars on Valentine's Day, and juice box company's, car wash associations, and a thousand flower shops, sex shops, and chocolatiers are out there vying for your attention and cash.

My favorites range between the incongruous juxtaposition press releases that are funny just because they're going for it (tire stores, Home Depot, closet organizers) and the obvious press releases that are bending over backwards to find something to say (diamonds, greeting cards, flowers). And then there's sex.

Early out of the gate is the California Cut Flower Commission with an inane release about what color of rose is most popular for Valentine's Day. But among the snoozy facts about red vs. pink is this double entendre tidbit about color options: "Lovers can court their sweethearts" the release explains, "with the rose color that best expresses their sentiments" among these colors is a medium red called "Pole Position".

I understand the sentiment here, but can't help but wonder if this signals a greater specificity in flower colors that could end badly. What's next, a Reverse Cowgirl bouquet from FTD? Possibly a pearl necklace boutonnière?

Fortunately for you, I'll keep my eyes on this so you don't have to. But stay tuned, there's 31 days until Valentine's Day, and the fun has just begun.

Read more - Valentines Day Marketing Gone Wild

Related - Valentine's Day Sex Guide