When Mother’s Day Becomes Christmas for Retailers

HOW much will you spend on mum for Mother’s Day? Many mothers will be greeted on Sunday morning with burnt toast, badly made coffee, a kitchen to clean up and a tea-towel from a school’s Mother’s Day stall, but for those with a bit more money to spend about $60 worth of gifts is the national average.

New research on shopping habits shows Australian sons and daughters will spend an estimated $1.36 billion in gifts, online deals, cards and flowers over the next five days with a last-minute dash to the local flower shop still a favourite for those absent-minded children.

According to data analysis group IBISWorld per capita spending for Mother’s Day is expected to rise 3.4 per cent from last year to $60. Spare a thought for dads, the average spent on them for Father’s Day is less than half that, or $29.50.