The National Retail Federation says consumers will spend a record $21.4 billion on Mother's Day, including $4.2 billion on jewelry, $4.1 billion in dinner, brunch or other special outings, and $2.4 billion on flowers.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- If Mom had her way, she would insist that you don't need to get her anything for Mother's Day. But most of us know better than to show up at Mom's house empty-handed on Sunday.
Retailers and restaurants know this, too, and have been touting Mother's Day brunches and promotions in anticipation of a traditionally bustling weekend.
The National Retail Federation says consumers will spend a record $21.4 billion on Mother's Day, including $4.2 billion on jewelry, $4.1 billion on dinner, brunch or other special outings, and $2.4 billion on flowers.
That's nearby twice the $12.7 billion Americans spent on Father's Day last year, according to the NRF.
NRF's annual survey, conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, predicts that consumers will shell out an average of $172.22 per person on Mother's Day. Fifty-seven percent of people said they expect to spend about the same as last year; 19 percent said they're spending more; and 8.2 percent said they're spending less.
That 8.2 percent clearly doesn't care about being Mom's favorite.
Another survey, conducted by Brand Keys Inc. in New York, found that 88 percent of consumers celebrate Mother's Day, with the percentage planning to buy clothing up 10 percent and jewelry up 7 percent.
"There's a saying, 'a sweater is something a child puts on when a Mother feels a draft,' an apt turn of phrase since clothing has increased most as a Mother's Day gift-of-choice this year," said Brand Keys, a consumer loyalty and emotional brand engagement consultancy.
Brand Keys says consumers will spend an average of $205 on Mom, up 6 percent from last year, with most people planning to buy multiple gifts and men splurging more than women. Men will spend an average of $228, while women will spend an average of $182, according to a national survey of 6,133 people.
"More-and-more, Mother's Day encompasses a broader spectrum of relationships as it becomes a more universal celebration," said Robert Passikoff, president of Brand Keys.
"The holiday celebrant range includes virtually everyone: moms, wives, step-moms, female relatives and friends, divorced and single-parent households. It crosses cultural, ethnic, and religious boundaries, making it a real opportunity for retailers - an occasion nearly everyone celebrates."
Among the local businesses offering specials this weekend:
-- Fantasy Candies Chocolate Factory in Lyndhurst is selling chocolate-covered strawberries, grapes and wine bottles this Saturday and Sunday.
-- Fannie May Brands, which includes Fannie May Confections, Harry London, and Fannie Farmer, and whose chocolate factory is in North Canton, is offering $4.99 flat-rate shipping on Mother's Day orders of $25 or more, if they're ordered from fanniemay.com by 1 p.m. Thursday, May 5, using the code "49005."
-- Urban Farmer Steakhouse in Downtown Cleveland is hosting a Mother's Day brunch buffet from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The menu will include breakfast breads, local farm soup and salad, quiche and sandwiches, omelette station, carving station, cheese and charcuterie, a waffle bar, kids buffet and dessert display for $48 per person, $20 for children 10 and under. Reservations recommended.
-- Talbots, has stores at Legacy Village in Lyndhurst, Crocker Park in Westlake, First & Main in Hudson, and at 2955 West Market St. in Fairlawn, is offering 30 percent off online purchases at talbots.com through Mother's Day, using the code "FRIENDS30."
-- Kmart, which has 15 stores in Northeast Ohio, is offering a three-in-one 1/10 carat diamond "Mom" pendant for $19.99 (regularly $99.99); a $9.99 Mother's Day Spa Beauty Bag with a $30 purchase; signature Mother's Day bouquets for $9.99; and a first-time-ever lifetime guarantee on select plant and tree purchases.
"Simply purchase a qualifying tree, shrub or perennial plant at a Kmart lawn and garden center to automatically receive a Lifetime Guarantee," Kmart said in a written announcement. "Keep the receipt and if any eligible plant dies, simply return it and Kmart will replace it for free.