Apr 26, 2019

Mother’s Day expected to deliver highest consumer spending to date

Mother’s Day spending is expected to total a record $25 billion this year, up from $23.1 billion in 2018, according to the annual survey released today by the National Retail Federation (NRF). A total 84 percent of U.S. adults are expected to celebrate in honor of their mothers and other women in their lives.

“Mother’s Day spending has been growing consistently over the past several years, and this year’s spending is expected to be the highest in the 16-year history of our survey,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said.

While the number of people celebrating Mother’s Day is in line with last year’s 86 percent, those celebrating are expected to spend more at an average $196 compared with $180 in 2018. Consumers ages 35-44 are likely to spend the most at an average $248, up from $224, and men are likely to spend more than women at $237 compared with $158.

Newer models of gift-giving including special outings and gift cards are growing, in addition to more traditional gifts including flowers, greeting cards, and jewelry. Increased spending on jewelry represents 31 percent of the expected increase over last year.

According to the survey, the percent of consumers planning to purchase by gift category is as follows:

• Greeting cards: 75%
• Flowers: 67%
• Clothing or clothing accessories: 55%
• Jewelry: 35%
• Personal service: 24%
• Housewares or gardening tools: 20%
• Books or CDs: 20%
• Consumer electronics: 15%
• Other: 24%

To view the entire survey visit NRF.com

Many of those celebrating cited finding something unique (44 percent) as the most important factor when picking out a Mother’s Day gift, followed by one that creates a special memory (39 percent). More than 8 in 10 (81 percent) indicate they will look to retailers for gifting inspiration.

The 2019 survey of 7,321 U.S. adults 18 and older was conducted April 1-11 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.2 percentage points.