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What India bought for Valentine’s Day: Flipkart report
Searches rise 1.26x as fashion, decor and beauty dominate Valentine’s Week
BENGALURU: Valentine’s Day in India is no longer a single-date affair. New data from Flipkart shows the occasion has stretched into a full-fledged shopping season, marked by higher searches, faster fulfilment and more expressive gifting.
Flipkart’s latest #FlipTrends report shows overall demand on the platform rose 1.42 times between 7 and 12 February, 2026, as Valentine’s Week gathered momentum. Search queries increased 1.26 times, while orders climbed 1.41 times, led by fashion, home decor and beauty categories. Cookies, biscuits, watches, stuffed toys and chocolates ranked among the most popular gifting choices.
Shopping patterns pointed to celebrations becoming increasingly home-led and personal. Demand for decor items such as showpieces, lights and artificial flowers rose 1.6 times, signalling a shift from grand gestures to curated experiences. As the week progressed, purchases tilted towards cakes, pastries and mugs, reflecting last-minute planning.
Quick commerce played a defining role. Flipkart Minutes recorded a 7 times year-on-year growth between 7 and 14 February, with 14 February seeing peak order activity. Order values surged between 9 and 10 am, followed by a second spike between 7 and 8 pm.
Discovery was driven by ‘RelationShop’, Flipkart’s in-app experience built around modern relationship stages, from ‘situationship’ to ‘moving on’. The ‘talking phase’ emerged as the most shopped segment, driving demand for earphones, late-night snacks, energy drinks, board games and chocolates.
Shoppers leaned heavily into playful and sentimental gifts. Chocolate orders doubled, while baby pillows jumped 21 times, stuffed toys rose 15 times, showpieces grew 14 times, women’s fashion rings climbed 14 per cent and greeting cards increased 13 per cent. Gen Z shoppers broadened the celebration to include Galentine’s Day, with perfumes, rings, necklaces and cards trending on 13 February.
Geographically, metros such as Kolkata and Hyderabad, along with Tier 1-plus cities including Ranchi, Siliguri, Ludhiana and Dehradun, emerged as strong markets for quick Valentine’s Week purchases.
Brands
Tech2.com returns with AI-driven revamp to guide India’s tech consumers
News18 relaunches legacy tech platform with AI tools and expanded coverage
NEW DELHI: Tech2, one of India’s earliest and most recognisable technology news destinations, is staging a comeback with a fresh, AI-first approach aimed at modern digital consumers.
Originally launched in 2003, Tech2 built a strong following among India’s tech enthusiasts by simplifying complex innovations and guiding purchase decisions. Now, under the umbrella of Network18’s News18, the platform is being reimagined for an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping how users consume and interact with information.
The revamped Tech2 blends AI-powered tools with editorial expertise, aiming to deliver smarter, faster, and more personalised content. While the technology stack gets a significant upgrade, the platform is consciously holding on to its familiar brand identity, creating continuity for long-time users while attracting a new generation.
At its core, the new Tech2 is positioning itself as a decision-making companion for consumers navigating an increasingly complex tech landscape. From gadgets and apps to broader digital ecosystems, the platform plans to widen its editorial scope to reflect how deeply technology now influences everyday life.
A key part of its growth strategy includes expanding into multiple Indian languages, signalling an intent to reach audiences beyond metro cities and tap into the next wave of digital adoption.
The relaunch also strengthens News18’s portfolio of specialised digital properties, which already includes platforms such as CricketNext for cricket coverage, Showsha for entertainment, and Local18 for regional reporting.
With its return, Tech2 is not just revisiting its legacy but attempting to redefine it. In a market flooded with information, the platform’s success will hinge on whether it can turn AI into a genuine utility for users rather than just a buzzword.
