Head Games

 might seem like a peculiar trend, but insight into a potential mate’s taste in clothes, books, or computers is arguably just as important as learning where they work, where they’re from, and what they like to drink. And besides, if you don’t meet anyone who makes your heart race, you can engage in a little retail therapy afterwards — which is probably what these stores have in mind in the first place.

So whether you’re a geek, cheapskate, or fashionista, stores are hoping to help play matchmaker for you. Gap Inc’s Banana Republic stores, for example, joined forces with Match.com and blogger Joy Cho to hold dating events in its stores in eight major cities including San Francisco, New York, and Chicago. If sparks fly, you’re in a convenient place to pick up some new threads for your next date. Just please — no matching outfits!

Head Games Salon in Portland, Me., aims to connect couples together at its first-ever speed dating event. Singles looking for a date with a good head of hair on their shoulders can try their luck this Valentine’s Day. And if the match doesn’t work out, as the song says, you can always ”Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair.”