Mother's Day may not be as rosy for mom this year
Flower sales still strong locally, but longer-lasting options prove popular.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
MIDDLETOWN — Mother's Day may not be flowering with gifts for mom this year, as shopping trends show consumers are scaling back on their purchases for the holiday.
According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, consumers will spend an average of $138.63 on a gift this year, compared to $139.14 last year. Total holiday sales are expected to reach $15.8 billion, a drop of at least $6 million over last year.
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Judi Cox puts the finishing touches on a Mother's Day floral arrangement Tuesday, May 6, at Flowers by Roger in Middletown.
Get latest headlines via RSS feedsAlso, the survey reported most shoppers will invest in one major gift for mom instead of several smaller gifts.
"Consumers will be very cautious with their wallets this Mother's Day, heeding mom's advice that she really doesn't need much," said Phil Rist, BIGresearch's vice president of strategy. "Gas prices and other economic issues will still be at the forefront of people's minds as they shop around for the perfect gift for mom."
Locally, shops said they are depending on the biggest flower holiday of the year to boost sales.
"Mother's Day is one of those holidays you can always count on," said Steven Weber, floral designer at Gray the Florist in Hamilton. "Everyone has got a mother and flowers are a nice, easy gift."
However, consumers are being more conservative in their purchases and buying more items meant to last, said Roger Conner, owner of Flowers by Roger in Middletown.
"People are buying more silk flowers and blooming baskets this year. People feel they are getting more for their money in something that can last longer," Conner said.
When it comes to popular gifts, consumers will shell out nearly $3 billion on a special dinner or brunch, $1.4 billion on clothing items, $1.2 billion on consumer electronics, $1.1 billion on service gifts such as spa and salon treatments and $2 billion on flowers, the NRF said.
Overall, Conner said sales are down, but delivery orders are remaining steady despite a $2 increase for city deliveries and $5 increase for outlying areas due to the recent gas price spike.
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2843 or jlander@coxohio.com.
