(May 10, 2016) Mother’s Day was this past weekend. and families were ready to splurge on gift cards, jewelry, flowers, breakfast at I-Hop, and other gifts and accessories for mom. While the typical Mother’s Day gifts tend to remain the same, the amount American consumers will spend on them has been steadily increasing year after year. According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, we spent an average of $172.63 on mom in 2015. Almost $10 higher than the prior year. This average is higher than any other year in the 12-year history of the survey.

A Successful Mother’s Day

Schwanke-Kasten owner Tom Dixon was recently interviewed about Mother’s Day spending.

“Having been in the jewelry business for so many years, we have seen this trend supported by increased sales over time,” said Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers owner Tom Dixon. In fact, Tom is the 4th generation owner of Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers.

Total national spending in 2015 exceeded $21.2 billion dollars and is projected to be even higher in 2016. According to recent trends, 80% intend to give a greeting card. However, over two-thirds will buy flowers (amounting to approximately $2.4 billion in sales). Those looking to give mom the ultimate “wow” with jewelry make up about 34.2% of Mother’s Day shoppers. These shoppers will spend over $4.3 billion for items like necklaces, rings, and bracelets on Mother’s Day.

“Moms are very special. To many, Mother’s Day is a very special holiday for many consumers,” Dixon said. “No matter what someone spends, the most important thing is the way we make mother’s feel on their day.”

For jewelry store owners and other retailers, this means making sure they have the appropriate inventory and are running competitive promotions. Each year there is no shortage of sales to choose from. Retailers look forward to this holiday for an annual boost in sales.

“In the 27 years that I have owned Schwanke-Kasten, we have definitely seen our fair share of people purchasing jewelry for the special women in their life.”