Australians spent more than $1 billion across last year’s Mother’s Day weekend, according to the Australian Retailers Association, with ANZ customers alone contributing $592 million, up 6.6 per cent year-on-year.
The RBA has delivered its third consecutive rate hike, with inflation remaining stubbornly above target.
Retailers are cautiously hoping Australians will once again make an exception for Mother’s Day and spend big.
According to an Australian Retailers Association (ARA) –Roy Morgan SMS survey conducted in April last year, Australians plan to spend an average of $141 on Mother’s Day, up sharply from $102 in 2024.
Overall participation, however, dropped by around 2.7 million people year-on-year, driven in part by a steep fall among under-35s, who were down 65 per cent on 2024.
By contrast, over 65s nearly doubled their participation; the ARA attributed this to differing cost-of-living pressures, pricing millennials out of sentimental occasions.
ANZ Managing Director Joanna Gury said the data proved Mother’s Day was a key moment on the retail calendar.
“The data reveals solid year-on-year growth across multiple categories, highlighting that Australians are celebrating mum by dining out as well as purchasing jewellery and flowers,” she said.
“Each of these categories sees a clear uplift compared to a normal weekend, delivering a welcome boost for local businesses across the country.”
Dining out was the most popular way to celebrate, with $83 million spent at cafes, a figure that was up 10.16 per cent year-on-year.
Traditional gifting categories like florists, watches and jewellery also performed favourably.
University of Wollongong student David Newton said he ended up spending well above what he had budgeted.
“I estimated I’d be spending around 80 bucks,” he said. “So it came as a bit of a surprise when it came out to almost $150.”
Whether that generosity will extend to this coming Sunday remains to be seen, but if last year is any guide, Australians are unlikely to hold back on spending.
