Mother’s Day 2026 Spending Soars to $34B: A Big Opportunity for Local Businesses

by Jackie Navarrete

A Billion-Dollar Opportunity for Small Businesses

This Mother’s Day, Americans are expected to spend a staggering $34.1 billion, just shy of the record-breaking $35.7 billion seen in 2023. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), 84% of U.S. adults plan to celebrate the holiday, spending an average of $254 per person. That’s nearly $5 more per person than last year, and it’s a clear sign that consumers are still eager to treat mom, even in an economy where prices are rising and wallets are tightening.

For small business owners—especially brick-and-mortar shops, florists, restaurants, bakeries, and boutiques—this is not just good news. It’s a golden opportunity. With thoughtful planning and the right payment tools in place, these businesses can cash in on the surge of holiday spending.

The Breakdown: Where the Money Is Going

Consumers this year are choosing gifts that make a statement. Here’s what the NRF reports:

• 74% will buy flowers
• 73% plan to give greeting cards
• 61% are planning a special outing (think brunch, spa days, or a nice dinner)

Other popular categories include jewelry, electronics, apparel, and personal services.

This wide range of gift types means all kinds of small businesses can benefit. Whether you’re running a nail salon, a restaurant, a bookstore, or a handmade soap shop—you have a role to play in this national celebration.

Why It Matters: Consumer Confidence in Action

Despite inflation and ongoing economic uncertainty, people are still spending. That says a lot. When consumers feel confident enough to go the extra mile for special occasions, it signals that they value experiences and relationships—and are willing to pay for them.

This also means they’re more open to:

• Premium pricing (for quality products or services)
• Upsells (e.g., pairing a flower bouquet with a greeting card or custom vase)
• Spontaneous purchases (when a POS system makes it easy to say “yes”)

That last one—ease of purchase—is critical, and it leads us to payment processing.

How Payment Systems Make or Break the Sale

Imagine this: a customer is in your flower shop on May 11. They’re in a rush. They find the perfect bouquet and card. You go to ring them up, and your terminal is slow or declines their Apple Pay.

Boom. Friction.

You might still make the sale, but it kills the mood. And worse, they might walk out.

Having a fast, reliable, and flexible payment system is more important now than ever. Here’s what today’s customers expect:

• Tap to Pay / Contactless options (Apple Pay, Google Pay, smartwatches)
• EMV chip readers
• Mobile terminals for events, pop-ups, or outdoor sales
• Split payments and gift card compatibility

Solutions like Clover POS offer all of these features and more, and small businesses that leverage them are better positioned to convert foot traffic into revenue—especially during high-volume holidays like Mother’s Day.

Brick-and-Mortar Bonus: Local, Trusted, and Trending

In an age of Amazon and big-box giants, many consumers still crave local charm—especially on holidays like Mother’s Day. Small shops and family-run spots can capitalize on this by highlighting their uniqueness:

• Offer Mother’s Day bundles
• Create gift guides to help indecisive shoppers
• Promote limited-edition items or experiences
• Use signage, window displays, and social media to grab attention

But all of that has to be backed up by the basics: clear pricing, short lines, and no delays at checkout. This is where payment processing tech becomes part of your customer service strategy.

Pro Tips for Maximizing Mother’s Day Sales

1. Run a promotion
   • Offer a free item with a certain purchase amount.
   • Bundle bestsellers with seasonal products.
2. Highlight gift cards
   • Last-minute shoppers love them.
   • Make it easy to buy and redeem in-store or online.
3. Use email and SMS marketing
   • Remind loyal customers of your Mother’s Day deals.
   • Include direct links to gift ideas or appointment booking.
4. Train your staff
   • Make sure they know how to handle all types of payments.
   • Equip them with mobile payment devices if needed.
5. Promote buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS)
   • A growing number of shoppers want hybrid shopping experiences.

Digital Trends That Matter

According to Mastercard, retail sales in the U.S. have remained relatively strong thanks to holiday boosts like Valentine’s Day and now Mother’s Day. And much of this spending is happening via digital wallets and mobile payments.

For small businesses that are still cash-only or stuck with outdated credit card terminals, this is your wake-up call. Adopting up-to-date payment processing solutions isn’t optional—it’s essential for survival and growth.

A Peek Ahead: Setting Up for Father’s Day and Graduation Season

After Mother’s Day comes another sales boom: Father’s Day, graduation gifts, and early summer spending. If you optimize your POS setup now, train your staff, and streamline checkout processes, you’ll be ready to capture that revenue too.

Think of it as planting seeds now so your sales garden keeps blooming well into the summer.

Conclusion: Turn Mother’s Day Into a Springboard

This Mother’s Day, shoppers are ready to spend—big. They want memorable gifts and meaningful moments. And they want it all with speed, ease, and confidence.

For small business owners, this is the time to shine. With smart marketing, reliable payment processing, and a focus on experience, you can turn one holiday into lasting customer relationships and a strong start to your summer sales season.

Because at the end of the day, celebrating mom isn’t just good for the heart—it’s great for business.