May 7, 2009

Show mom love: mommy vs. the economyBy Kyle ArnoldTulsaWorld.com

Frugal-minded consumers may skip eating or might hold onto that car a little longer, but retailers are hoping they won’t go cheap when it comes to Mom.

Local gift shops, florists and eateries are heading into this Sunday’s Mother’s Day holiday in the midst of one of the country’s worst economic downturns. As a result, shoppers are expected to cut spending nationally for the holiday by nearly 11 percent, according to this year’s poll by BIGresearch and the National Retail Federation.

In Tulsa, however, many retailers think Mother’s Day spending will be a little bit like Mom’s love: Unconditional.

“The economy has affected it a little bit, but everyone still loves Mommy,” said Doug Hartson, manager of Nielsens Exclusive Gifts at 81st Street and Lewis Avenue in Tulsa.

Nielsens sells high-end glassware, everything from baubles for a few dollars to vases that retail for more than $500. Hartson says the store’s traffic is similar to last year.

Some consumers, however, are looking for more economical gifts, Hartson said.

“Everyone loves their mom, even though it might not be quite as much this year,” he said.

Mother’s Day is traditionally the year’s busiest day for many retailers, such as florists and gift shops.

“This year it’s even bigger than normal,” said Mary Wilkins, owner of Tulsa’s Blossom Shoppe.

Despite a slow start to the year, Wilkins said orders for flowers are even better than previous Mother’s Day holidays.

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