ANZ predicts restaurants and bottle shops will dominate Mother’s Day spending this year, with shoppers estimated to spend up to $569 million this weekend, a projected growth of 2.5% on the previous year.

ANZ Managing Director Everyday Banking Yiken Yang said: “Australians are set to spend generously and spoil their mums this Mother’s Day, with data showing a trend in wining and dining experiences.

“We expect food, takeaway, wineries and bottle shops will continue to dominate customer spending this year – a promising sign for businesses and traders across the country. 

“Conversely, while we still expect them to be popular places for customers to spend, we do anticipate some reduction in spend in flower shops, department stores, jewellery stores, and clothing stores.” 

ANZ expects Victorian customers to spend up to $158 million, followed by NSW (up to $147 million).  

For a second year in the row, men spent more in total on Mother’s Day, with an average spend of $131. Gen X spent the most ($189 million), followed by Millennials ($184 million). While Gen Z spent the least ($78 million), they had the highest yearly increase of 15%.   

2024 data also showed that customers spent the most between 9am and 6pm, with 28% of spend coming from the hours between 12pm and 2pm.

Publican John Elsey, Managing Director of The Whistler in Maitland NSW, said Mother’s Day is one of the biggest days of the year for the bar.

“Mother’s Day is always one of our busiest days. Everyone wants to treat their mum to a special outing, and what better way to do it than with a pub meal and a glass of champagne?”

“Every year, we offer a Mother’s Day special, and we usually get fully booked a week in advance. We’re expecting this year to be no different, so if you haven’t organised something special for mum yet, make sure you lock something away this week.”

2024 spend summary and trends

In 2024, total spend increased by 1.4%, reaching $555 million during Mother’s Day weekend, compared to the previous year (2023).​

• Per capita, every state spent over 20% more during the Mother’s Day weekend, compared to a normal weekend.
• Victorians spent the most overall during Mother’s Day weekend ($155 million).​​
• QLD, SA, and NT had the largest YoY increase in spend, with 3.8%, 3.6%, and 3.4%, respectively.​
• ACT had the highest spend per capita at $256, in line with the previous year.
• NSW had the greatest increase in spending during the Mother’s Day weekend compared to a normal weekend, spending an additional $5.6 million (4.1% uplift).​​
• For a second year in a row, men spent more in total on Mother’s Day, and across most key categories. YoY growth for men was minimal, while women had negative YoY growth.​
• People spent the most between 9am and 6pm, contributing 77% of the total spend during the Mother’s Day weekend, with 28% spend coming from the hours between 12pm and 2pm​.​
• People spend slightly more on Saturday (57% of the overall spend) than on Sunday during Mother’s Day weekend, possibly due to preparations and last-minute gift buying for the Sunday event​.

ARA survey finds fewer Aussies spending more

A survey by the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and Roy Morgan shows Australians are expected to splash $1 billion on Mother’s Day this year, virtually unchanged from a year ago despite tighter household budgets.

It reveals 30% of Australians are set to celebrate Mother’s Day, which equates to seven million people. While that’s 2.7 million fewer people than 2024, the projected average spend is up from $102 last year to $141 this year.

The survey also revealed 20% of respondents will spoil mothers with food and beverages; and just over 10% plan on wining and dining mum, or gifting her an experience such as a trip away.

ARA Chief Industry Affairs Officer Fleur Brown said despite Aussies tightening their belts, Mother’s Day remains a sweet spot on the annual retail calendar: “The past few years of high interest rates and sky-high business costs have hit discretionary retailers hardest, and it’s special spending events like Mother’s Day that help keep the sector resilient,” she said. ‘We’ve also seen Australians lean in and get together around these special events during even the toughest of times.

“This year has seen a significant shift in Mother’s Day spending patterns, which can partially be attributed to the latest Easter in five years which has impacted planning. In this year’s data we can also see the demographics that are feeling the impact of the cost-of-living pressures which are the under 35’s and 35 – 49-year-olds who carry the greatest interest rate pressures.

“Nevertheless, overall it’s a strong result in a tough economic landscape.”

Inner West Ale Trail Mother’s Day celebration

Sydney’s Inner West Ale Trail is hosting Inner West Country, a celebration of music, food and community, this weekend.

Sauce Brewing Co. will hold a Dance Country Party on Sunday, featuring genre-blending trailblazer DJ Levins and special guest DJs. From 4-8pm, the Marrickville beer garden will be transformed into a country-disco dancehall. Learn more here.

Archie Rose’s favourite Mother’s Day cocktail

Archie Rose has created a limited-edition Tailored Spirits label for Mother’s Day by celebrated artist Melanie Vugich for its gin, vodka and whisky.

People can choose their mum’s favourite botanicals to craft a spirit that’s truly hers, then customise the bottle with a heartfelt message and Melanie’s floral design.

Purchase your Archie Rose Tailored Spirit here.

When raising a glass to Mum, Archie Rose suggests a refreshing Southside.

Southside

60ml Archie Rose Signature Dry Gin
30ml lime juice
15ml sugar syrup
8 mint leaves

Method: Shake all ingredients hard and fast with ice, then fine strain into a coupette. Serve immediately while fresh and lively.

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