Life News

Father's Day spending hits a record $27.9bn as shoppers cut back elsewhere to pay for it

US shoppers plan to spend a record $27.9 billion on Father's Day, which falls on June 21, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). The forecast, released on June 10, beats last year's record of $24 billion, and average spending rises to $226.58 from $199.38. The survey of 7,914 consumers found 77% plan to celebrate. Greeting cards (60%), clothing (58%), special outings (55%) and gift cards (52%) are the most common gifts, and 31% plan to give an experience.

"In order to make the holiday fit their budgets, shoppers are pulling back in other spending areas." — Mark Mathews, NRF chief economist

The NRF said spending rose in every category except among shoppers aged 65 and over, and that 26% plan to shop at discount stores, up from 23% last year. Online (38%) and department stores (37%) remain the top places to buy. Phil Rist of Prosper Insights, which runs the survey, said "electronics and personal care items have the largest gains".

Florida station WPTV, reporting on June 16, focused on who gets a present: 45% of shoppers are buying for a father or stepfather, 25% for a husband, 13% for a son and 10% for a brother, with friends at 8% and grandfathers about the same.

How each outlet framed it

• NRF — the national forecast, gift choices and how shoppers are stretching budgets.
• WPTV — a consumer-friendly breakdown of who receives a gift.

Where the numbers differ: WPTV puts grandfathers at about the same share as friends, 8%, while the NRF release lists 7%. Neither says how much of the record comes from higher prices rather than more gifts.