Merchants expect Mother's Day spending to drop

(It's OK to go for the cheap nosegays this year. File photo: Wiqan Ang for The Boston Globe.)

Mother's Day retail spending is projected to be off this year, but "moms will understand."

So concludes the National Retail Federation after commissioning a survey that seeks to determine what consumers will spend this year to buy gifts for their mothers.

"Americans will spend an average of $123.89 per person, compared to last year's $138.63," said a press release from the federation, a trade group of merchants. "Total Mother’s Day spending is expected to reach $14.1 billion, which is slightly more than Easter."

The press release included a statement from federation president and chief executive Tracy Mullin.

“Retailers understand that people are on strict budgets, even for important holidays,” Mullin said. “Budget-friendly gift ideas will abound this Mother’s Day: discounted digital cameras, books, and apparel still show mom how much she is appreciated.”

Roughly two-thirds of folks are expected to buy flowers for their mothers, according to the survey, which was conducted for the federation by BIGresearch.

In a statement, BIGresearch executive vice president Phil Rist said, “Moms will understand that kids may be spending on a budget, so inexpensive personal gifts will go a long way.”
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)