Most of us will spend around $88 spoiling the one that spoils us - and restaurant meals, clothing and gift cards shape up to be the most favoured options.
IBISWorld general manager (Australia), Karen Dobie, says Australians will spend $1.36 billion celebrating Mother's Day this year, and our per capita spend will rise 3.4 per cent from last year to an average $60.
Most adults - aged between 15 and 64 - will splash the cash a little further, with gifts averaging $88 (up from $85 last year).
Within that broader group, Dobie 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.
Unfortunately for dads around the country, figures reveal that the average Australian spends almost double the amount on Mum as they do on Dad ($29.50) when Father's Day comes around.
As for the key spending trends this year, Dobie said gift cards - especially online vouchers from group buying websites - would be top of the Mother's Day shopping list for the second year running.
"This is one of the fastest growing segments within the online space. Competitive local players including Cudo, Spreets, Ozsale and Catch of the Day will have a raft of Mother's Day specials to entice new customers", Dobie said.
This trend is likely to directly benefit hospitality operators that ally with group buying websites.
"IBISWorld anticipates growth of 10.7 per cent this year, well ahead of any other segment. That's also on the back of last year's 10.2 per cent jump, so this sector is streets ahead year on year", Dobie added.
Mother's Day 2012 spending
|
Gift segmentation |
Spend ($million) |
Growth on 2011 (%) |
|
Gift certificates (including group-ons) |
166 |
10.7 |
|
Chocolate and confectionery |
42 |
7.7 |
|
Clothing and accessories |
30 |
7.1 |
|
Taking mum out for lunch/dinner |
294 |
6.9 |
|
Flowers |
188 |
4.4 |
|
Greeting cards |
53 |
3.9 |
|
Jewellery |
250 |
0.8 |
|
Others |
251 |
0.4 |
|
Cosmetics, perfume and toiletries |
88 |
-2.2 |
|
TOTAL |
1,362 |
3.9 |
A solid performer, chocolate and confectionery will hold their ground again this year with a 7.7 per cent increase in spending from last year.
Growth will largely be driven by the rising popularity of premium, fair trade and organic varieties. Brands such as Green & Blacks, Haighs, Scarborough Fair, Chocolatier (Heidelberg) and Alter Eco (Oxfam) are names Australians are growing to favour, and many mothers will likely enjoy them on Sunday.
While ragtrade 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.
In line with previous years, IBISWorld reports that eating out will account for the largest share of Mother's Day spending at 21.6 per cent - a promising sign for cafes and restaurants right around the country.
As for this year, Dobie anticipates growth of 6.9 per cent to $294 million.
The perennial choice, a bunch of blooms never goes astray on Mum's big day. IBISWorld expects spending on flowers will grow by 4.4 per cent from 2011. Greeting cards are another staple tradition and will enjoy a spending rise of 3.9 per cent.
Cosmetics, perfume and toiletries will be the losers this Mother's Day, with a 2.2 per cent decline in spending – the only category IBISWorld forecasts will experience negative growth.
