The cost-of-living crunch won’t deter Australians from spoiling mum as they’re set to splurge this Mother’s Day.
Flowers, food, clothing, personal beauty products, and jewellery are expected to top the list of gifts this year, as millions gear up for a nationwide spending spree to reach up to $1 billion.
While participation has declined, average spending has increased to $141 up from $102 last year, according to a survey by the Australian Retailers Association and Roy Morgan.
Australian Retailers Association chief industry affairs officer Fleur Brown said there had been a significant shift in spending patterns.
“The past few years of high interest rates and sky-high business costs have hit discretionary retailers hardest, and it’s special spending events like Mother’s Day that help keep the sector resilient,” she said.
Participation rates have dropped by 65 per cent for people under 35, while it has doubled for seniors.
The day continues to be one of the biggest on the retail calendar with every state experiencing a 20 per cent boost over the weekend last year.
Coupled with a 4.1-point increase in consumer confidence – seven points higher than the same point in 2024 – people are ready to spend up on gifts and experiences.
ANZ forecasts a 2.5 per cent increase in spending in 2025.
“Over the past few years, we’ve seen a steady rise in spending during the Mother’s Day weekend,” ANZ everyday banking managing director Yiken Yang said.
Victorians are expected to lead the way, spending $158 million, followed by NSW with $147 million.
Despite their continued popularity, Mr Yang anticipates reduced spending in flower shops and department stores, jewellery and clothing stores, as people choose more experience-type gifts.
Florists saw a 5.22 per cent drop in spending in 2024, compared to a year earlier, although they recouped an additional $3.1 million compared to a normal weekend, he said.
But wholesale flower traders at the National Flower Centre in Epping, north of Melbourne, are seeing a bumper lead up to one of the industry’s busiest days, anticipating sales of more than three million chrysanthemums, roses and tulips this year.
Victoria Whitelaw Beautiful Flowers expects to sell more than 20,000 stems over the two weeks leading up to Mother’s Day, with bouquets and mixes of blooms in high demand.
Men continue to lead in total spend, with an average of $131.
Generation X splurged the most, spending $189 million, followed by millennials spending $184 million. Generation Z spent the least, but saw the biggest growth.
Saturdays experience an uptick in spending as final preparations and last-minute gift buying occur before Mother’s Day on Sunday.
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