Total spending for Mother’s Day has been forecast to rise 3.9 per cent compared to last year, IBISWorld says.
It is expected consumers will spend $1.36 billion this year with an average of $88 compared to $85 last year. This will see per capital spend rise 3.4 per cent.
Karen Dobie, IBISWorld general manager, said men and younger adults are typically the biggest spenders. Figures in the US show that men outspend women by around 60 per cent when it comes to their Mum, a trend that is also prevalent in the Australian market.
Gift cards – especially online vouchers from group buying websites – will top the shopping list.
“This is one of the fastest growing segments within the online space. Competitive local players including Cudo, Spreets, Ozsale and Catch of the Day will have a raft of Mother’s Day specials to entice new customers,” Dobie said.
“IBISWorld anticipates growth of 10.7 per cent this year, well ahead of any other segment. That’s also on the back of last year’s 10.2% jump, so this sector is streets ahead year on year.”
While clothing purchases declined strongly during 2011, the high Australian dollar and strong online sales will lead to growth in clothing purchases of 7.1 per cent this year. The trend towards giving gift cards and group buying vouchers will also have a positive flow-on effect to the clothing and accessories market.
“One change this year may be the number of mothers unwrapping an item of clothing purchased overseas, as e-commerce expert kids seek better value for money – and make the most of cheap postage – by patronising major overseas online retailers,” Dobie said.