May 30, 2019

Father’s Day spending expected to reach all-time high

Americans are expected to spend more than ever on gifts for Father’s Day this year, according to the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) annual survey conducted by Prosper Insight & Analytics. Total spending for the holiday is estimated to reach $16 billion, up from last year’s $15.3 billion.

“Fathers, husbands and sons can expect to feel the love this Father’s Day,” said Matthew Shay, President and CEO, NRF. “Over the past decade, spending on Father’s Day gifts has increased significantly. Retailers are ready with gifts that will have no problem impressing dad.”

Father’s Day spending has grown 70 percent, approximately $6.6 billion, since 2009. The biggest drivers of Father’s Day spending are growth in spending by consumers ages 35-44, and spending on clothing, special outings and gift cards. This year, 75.9 percent of people plan to celebrate and are expected to spend a record $138.97, up from last year’s $132.82, and up from $91 in 2009.

Consumers ages 35-44 plan to spend the most at an average $197.66, over $100 more than this age group spent 10 years ago. Men planned to spend the most for Mother’s Day this year and are also likely to spend more than women for Father’s Day at $160.74 compared with $118.29.

“It’s important to consumers of all ages that their gift for dad is unique and creates a special memory,” Prosper Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist said. “For example, subscription box services have become a popular unique gift option, particularly among younger consumers.”

According to the survey, consumers plan to purchase the following for Father’s Day:

Greeting Cards: 61.7%

• Expected average per person spending $7.22
• Expected total spending $830 million

Special Outing: 46.8%

• Expected average per person spending $29.10
• Expected total spending $3.3 billion

Clothing: 46.0%

• Expected average per person spending $21.88
• Expected total spending $2.5 billion

Gift Cards: 43.0%

• Expected average per person spending $19.64
• Expected total spending $2.3 billion

For a complete listing of all planned purchases listed in the survey visit NRF’s website.

How Consumers Will Shop

• 39 percent of consumers will head to department stores
• 34 percent will shop online
• 24 percent will shop at a discount store
• 23 percent at a specialty store
• 11 percent at a specialty clothing store
• 2 percent via catalog
• 57 percent of smartphone/tablet owners plan to use their device to assist in Father’s Day gifting decisions
• 38 percent using their mobile device to research products and compare prices

More than half of those surveyed plan to buy for their fathers or stepfathers (53 percent) while others will shop for their husbands (27 percent) or sons (9 percent) among other dads in their lives.

The survey of 7,591 consumers was conducted May 1-9 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.2 percentage points.