Spending in the UK ahead of this Saturday’s Mother’s Day is likely to be significantly down as shoppers steer clear of stores in the current coronavirus pandemic, an analyst has warned.
Retailers with a weak online presence and who rely heavily on store sales will be the worst hit, as will restaurants and cafés who suffer cancellations as a result of coronavirus, says data and analytics company GlobalData.
It says that in 2019, 73% of UK shoppers bought a Mother’s Day present and many will want to do so this year. But consumers will need to rethink how and what they buy, given the decision by a growing number of shops to close their doors.
Almost half (49%) bought their Mother’s Day present in the high street last year, and almost a quarter online. This year, GlobalData expects spending to increase online, with retailers such as Amazon winning extra business. That rise in online sales, however, will not be enough to make up for the loss in store sales experienced by retailers that usually benefit from the occasion, such as Card Factory and Clintons.
Georgina Sreeves, retail analyst at GlobalData, said: “The UK has been thrust into survival mode, which will lead to low consumer confidence and a cut back of non-essential spending as consumers’ livelihoods have been overturned indefinitely.
“This, combined with advised familial separation, will reduce spend on gifts and speciality food and drink purchases. Online greetings card retailers with a strong online proposition such as Moonpig and Funky Pigeon are likely to benefit as consumers choose to shop remotely than visit a store.”
Last year Global Data expected shoppers to spend £1.9bn on Mother’s Day
This year, retailers are working to manage Mother’s Day spending in different ways. Marks & Spencer is currently offering next-day free home delivery for shoppers ordering Mother’s Day flowers, although Hotel Chocolat has suspended next and nominated-day delivery services over the weekend.
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