Downtown Lansing Businesses See Valentine's Day Boost

Local shops report busy weekend during annual "Feel the Love" shopping event

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Downtown Lansing businesses experienced a surge in foot traffic and sales over the Valentine's Day weekend, with local shops like Sylvia's Sudsery and Summit Comics and Games reporting busier-than-expected crowds. The annual "Feel the Love in Downtown Lansing" event helped attract new customers and encourage community members to shop locally.

Why it matters

Events that drive foot traffic to local businesses are crucial for the economic vitality of downtown areas, especially in the face of competition from larger retailers and e-commerce. The Valentine's Day boost highlights how community-focused initiatives can benefit small, independent shops and encourage residents to support their local merchants.

The details

The "Feel the Love in Downtown Lansing" event featured special promotions, activities, and date night opportunities that drew couples and shoppers to unexpected destinations like Summit Comics and Games. Sylvia's Sudsery, a local soap shop, reported one of its busiest Valentine's Days ever, with owner Danielle Hastings noting she "couldn't go to the bathroom" due to the crowds. The shop also hosted popular soap-making classes, including a Valentine's-themed date night session.

  • The "Feel the Love in Downtown Lansing" event took place over Valentine's Day weekend in 2026.

The players

Sylvia's Sudsery

A local soap shop in downtown Lansing that experienced a major boost in business during the Valentine's Day event.

Summit Comics and Games

A comic book store in downtown Lansing that was pleasantly surprised to see increased foot traffic and couples visiting as a date destination during the holiday weekend.

Danielle Hastings

The owner of Sylvia's Sudsery, who reported one of the shop's busiest Valentine's Days ever.

Marcus Embry

The manager of Summit Comics and Games, who was surprised by the romantic appeal of the store as a date spot.

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What they’re saying

“We're a comic book store. Not the most romantic place in town but turns out, yeah, it's a pretty decent spot for a date.”

— Marcus Embry, Manager, Summit Comics and Games

“Saturdays are usually busier for us but this Saturday, I couldn't go to the bathroom. Busy day, a lot of people looking for last minute gifts.”

— Danielle Hastings, Owner, Sylvia's Sudsery

“We have specifically a date night one. So a lot of people are bringing their significant others and having fun with it.”

— Danielle Hastings, Owner, Sylvia's Sudsery

“Shopping locally is always going to be a massive part of helping to keep Lansing as awesome as it is.”

— Marcus Embry, Manager, Summit Comics and Games

What’s next

The city of Lansing plans to continue hosting the "Feel the Love in Downtown Lansing" event annually to support local businesses and encourage community members to shop locally.

The takeaway

Community-focused events that drive foot traffic to local businesses can have a significant impact on the economic vitality of downtown areas, helping independent shops attract new customers and boosting sales beyond just holiday weekends.