Local firms feel love for Mom

Jewelry, dining, electronics show sales increase this holiday

5/7/2013

Moms are expected to be a $21 billion boon to businesses this Mother’s Day as husbands, sons, and daughters loosen their purse strings.

The National Retail Federation reports that the average consumer will spend 11 percent more this year, up to $168.94 from $152.52 last year. Sales are expected to increase for jewelry, dining, and consumer electronics.

“The main difference this year is more people are looking to spend a little bit more money on the pricier type items, which would be the electronics and the jewelry,” Kathy Grannis, a spokesman for the federation, said.

Some Toledo-area businesses said they are benefiting from this year’s generous spending.

Stanley Bruno, managing partner of J. Foster Jewelers, said people have been dropping anywhere from $350 to $1,250 on gifts. Some of the most popular items this year include Pandora charm bracelets and diamond jewelry.

“We’re off to a good start this month,” he said. “We have some additional things that we’ve added that are making it convenient to buy. We’re offering a 24-month financing program. The diamond sales are up for us as are engagement and anniversary sales.”

Diamond-studded earrings and pendants have been selling well, Mr. Bruno said. People who visited the store Sunday were buying gifts for Mother’s Day, he said.

“When I reflect where I’m at for the year, I’m up for the year,” Mr. Bruno said.

The Appliance Center in Maumee also has recorded steady sales and is selling TVs, patio furniture, and grills for the holiday, general manager Jim Grzywinski said. Some of the gifts could be for practical uses as Mother’s Day provides an excuse to buy, he said.

“We’ve seen a little bit of an increase, but it’s pretty much about the same,” he said. “We’ve seen a little blip in the radar to the upside, which is good.”

Restaurants are usually busy on Mother’s Day.

Taking a turn from the traditional scene, Revolution Grille offers a more upscale atmosphere for mothers and their families. The restaurant — in its first year of operation — offers an intimate dining affair for couples or older families who want a sophisticated night out, Rob Campbell, chef proprietor of the eatery, said.

Mr. Campbell said he’s still deciding what specials will be on Sunday’s menu.

“We’re a little quieter, with a hipper eclectic American cuisine,” he said. “We’re just so small, the large party thing is so difficult here. We haven’t quite figured it out.”

Mothers aren’t the only ones who will benefit Sunday, and the increased consumer spending will strengthen the economy, Ms. Grannis said. Gift spending was muted during the Great Recession, she added.

“At some point, the average person is looking to really beef up their Mother’s Day plans,” Ms. Grannis said. “In recent years, we've seen the economy impact consumer spending when it comes to gifts, and there’s a good chance the families are coming together this year and pooling their money to get mom something nice."

Contact Kris Turner at:

kturner@theblade.com

or 419-724-6103.