Mother's Day good for business
By Staff
Jonathan Willis
Despite high gas prices and other worries about the economy, people in Franklin County still find a way to make sure they create a special Mother's Day.
Whether it's gifts from some of the local shops or a vase full of colorful flowers, county residents made sure their moms got treated well this Mother's Day.
Sam Warf, owner of the Blossom Shop in Russellville, said Mother's Day is one of the busiest times of the year for him, comparing it to Valentine's Day.
"The only difference is that we all have mothers and not everyone has a sweetheart," he said with a laugh.
Warf said the two holidays differ because Valentine's Day orders are all delivered in one day, whereas people start buying Mother's Day gifts a couple weeks ahead of time.
"We have done quite a bit of mixed bouquets, corsages, roses and plants," Warf said.
Those not buying plants may have had other plans in mind.
According to the National Restaurant Association, Mother's Day is the busiest day of the year with 38 percent of U.S. adults going out to eat.
"It's definitely our busiest day of the year," said Tammy King, who has worked at Jonathan's Steakhouse in Russellville for four years.
"Actually, people start coming in on Friday because they know how busy it will be."
Getting ready for such a weekend takes preparation, King said.
"Everybody that's on the schedule works and our stock is quadrupled."
She said Mother's Day is much different than any other holiday.
"Father's Day is just like a normal day," she said.
Spending on mom for Mother's Day is nothing new, but local businesses like to see it each year.
The National Retail Federation forecasts that Mother's Day spending will be flat this year with consumers spending about $15.8 billion nationwide, up slightly from the $15.7 billion spent last year. The NRF predicts that of the 84.2 percent of consumers celebrating Mother's Day, the majority will invest in one major gift for mom instead of several smaller gifts. The researchers expect $3 billion to be spent on restaurant tabs, $1.2 billion on electronics, $2 billion on flowers and $672 million on greeting cards.
