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Prices are up, but Mother's Day still means brunch
TL;DR
Despite rising prices, Mother's Day celebrations continue to thrive, with florists offering more affordable options like grab-and-go bouquets and smaller arrangements.
Key points
- Prices for Mother's Day items are rising
- Florists are offering value-focused options
- Cheaper grab-and-go bouquets are available
- Smaller arrangements are being promoted
- Consumers continue to celebrate Mother's Day
Mentioned in this story
Society of American Florists
A Society of American Florists survey found that many florists are "leaning into value-focused offerings," including cheaper grab-and-go bouquets and smaller arrangements. Brandon Bell/Getty Images
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
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Economist Michael Swanson offers a tip for this Mother's Day:
"If you really want to show mom that TLC, you can whip up a buffet at home for a lot less money" than going out for that classic brunch, says Swanson, who tracks food prices as the chief agricultural economist at Wells Fargo.
His daughters apparently know this too: Their plan for Sunday is an egg bake for mom at home, with dad on flower-buying duty. But they are in the minority, even as the cost of going out to eat is rising twice as fast as the cost of groceries.
Mother's Day is by far the busiest day of the year for U.S. restaurants overall. It's also one of the biggest days for florists, right after Valentine's Day, and for greeting-card sellers.
And although rising gas prices have Americans feeling anxious about the economy, that's not stopping them from opening their hearts — and wallets — for their moms this Sunday.
Record holiday spending
Spending on this Mother's Day might soar to a record $38 billion, increasing a whopping 11% from last year, according to a forecast by the National Retail Federation.
The projection is based on a survey that suggests the vast majority of shoppers will buy flowers and cards, while some are also looking for jewelry, clothes and electronics. Plants are becoming a more common gift too, according to the Society of American Florists.
This year, the trade group surveyed florists and found that two-thirds expect Mother's Day sales to increase or remain steady this year — with the rest less optimistic. Many florists reported "leaning into value-focused offerings," including cheaper grab-and-go bouquets and smaller arrangements.
Q&A
What are florists offering for Mother's Day 2023?
Florists are providing value-focused offerings, including cheaper grab-and-go bouquets and smaller arrangements.
How have prices affected Mother's Day spending?
Prices are up, but consumers are still celebrating Mother's Day, indicating a willingness to spend despite economic pressures.
What does the Society of American Florists survey reveal?
The survey indicates that many florists are adapting to economic conditions by focusing on value-oriented products.
Are consumers still buying flowers for Mother's Day despite price increases?
Yes, consumers are still purchasing flowers for Mother's Day, showing that the holiday remains important even with higher prices.
