Mother’s Day spending expected to rise

Despite economic volatility, U.S. retail spending on Mother’s Day, May 11, is expected to reach $34.1 billion this year, according to the National Retail Federation and data firm Prosper Insights & Analytics. That would top last year’s $33.5 billion and follow close behind the record $35.7 billion posted in 2023, researchers said in a Monday report from the trade group.

The group’s survey of nearly 8,000 U.S. adults found 84% are expected to celebrate the holiday, on par with prior years, with planned per-person spending to average $259.04. That would be about $5 more than the amount budgeted last year for Mother’s Day gifts, celebrations and special outings like spa and restaurant visits.

Consumers are projected to spend $6.8 billion on jewelry, $6.3 billion on special outings, $3.5 billion on store gift cards, $3.2 billion on flowers and $1.1 billion on greeting cards. Online stores remain the top planned gift destination for 36% of survey respondents, followed by department stores at 32% and specialty stores at 29%, researchers said.