Marketing

Americans are expected to spend $33.5 billion this Mother’s Day

It will be the second highest amount ever, according to the National Retail Federation.
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Along with spending time with their moms this Mother’s Day, many people plan to spend a big chunk of money on them too.

Americans will spend an estimated $33.5 billion on Mother’s Day this year, according to an annual survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. That’s the second-highest amount in the 21 years since NRF began the survey, behind last year’s $35.7 billion.

The most popular gifts—you’ll never guess—are flowers (74%), followed by outings like dinner or brunch (59%). The survey classifies greeting cards, which 74% of respondents plan to give to their moms, as gifts, but here’s a tip: Don’t try that at home.

The survey polled 8,213 adults from April 1–8.

As for what consumers will spend on gifts, jewelry tops the list with an expected $7 billion, followed by outings ($5.9 million), and electronics ($3.2 million).

The Brady brunch: Restaurants are bracing for the Mother’s Day onslaught.

Sales volume for Mother’s Day 2023 was 51% higher at full-service restaurants than on an average Sunday that year, according to a Toast blog post (blog Toast?).

While sales of sparkling wine were up 99% last Mother’s Day over an average Sunday in 2023, overall alcohol sales were down, perhaps because everyone else at the table was on their best behavior rather than treating their hangover with a Bloody Mary…or four.

“Alcohol consumption actually dipped by 12% compared to a regular Sunday Funday,” Toast noted. “Perhaps prioritizing ‘make good choices’ over ‘you’re cut off!’ is the greatest gift we can give this Mother’s Day.”

Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know

Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date.