Where's the love? - 30 Jan 2012

We're about to enter the "month of love", yet with Valentine's Day a mere two weeks away, I have yet to see a single TV ad spouting on about chocolate hearts, discount kisses and diamond sales. I was, however, appalled to see the Easter Bunny hopping all over my screen this weekend and had to double-check that I hadn't pulled a Rip van Winkle into March. But then I recalled last year's shocking discovery of Easter eggs hidden amongst the back-to-school goodies, and it became clear: that enterprising little rabbit has the jump on Valentine's Day advertising. And while I'm relieved to say we haven't had all things red and squishy shoved down our throats since Boxing Day, this early bird - er, bunny - has put things a little out of kilter. I know every year we whine about how commercial Valentine's Day has become, but that's just the natural order of things; like winter sales clearing the way for swimwear, Valentine's Day ads are supposed to follow two-for-one exam pad offers. Are retailers giving up on love? Or am I just not tuning in to the right channels? And while I get the feeling I may be eating my words tomorrow, whatever you do this February, go share the love.