By Christie Duffy
Correspondent
Americans will spend nearly $20 billion on mom this year. Four out of five people will pick out a card for mom this year, that’s according to a survey by the National Retail Federation.
Florists say today is the busiest day of their year, beating out Valentine’s Day.
“Yes, it is. It is. Because everybody has a mom or knows a mom or remembers a mom,” said Metropolitan Plant and Flower Exchange Manager Paula Ando.
And because it is the biggest day of the year, they will be keeping the doors open later, an extended two hours to try and take orders up until the last minute.
“Absolutely, absolutely. Come right in, after work after, dinner,” said Ando.
In addition to celebrating mom, proms and weddings orders are also in the mix. By the time this weekend is over, this florist expects to have arranged and delivered well over a thousand bouquets.
But another local florists says, there is something eating into their Mother’s Day business.
“Yes, the online florists, like those that you hear on the radio all the time saying you know you can get 100 stems of tulips for $19.99. It is impossible for local florists to compete with that. And unfortunately people just don’t understand that when you order from them, you take away from the mom and pops,” said Montclair Florist Owner Chad Smith.
Americans are expected to spend over $2 billion on greeting cards. Here at Parcel Gift Shop in Montclair, they hand make their cards and they provide an alternative to fresh flowers, with vintage silk flowers.
Restaurants also expect an economic boost on Mother’s Day. Plum on Park Bistro is preparing cinnamon plum butter for their croissant platter, lobster benedict for mom and their famous bacon.
“It’s gonna be a big rush. People are gonna be coming in all day. We’ve had calls all week for reservations,” said Plum on park Owner Natalie Colledge.
But moms we talked to say despite all the spending, it’s the thought that still counts.
“I don’t care as long as I see everybody, that’s all I care about,” said Roz Harmolin.
People may be taking that advice. The National Retail Federation expects consumers to spend a few dollars less on gifts this year, than last.