Father's Day spending goes up due to cost of living crisis with sales having actually fallen

Father’s Day sales are anticipated to reach £986m in 2022, an increase of four per cent year-on-year, new figures show.

However despite record breaking retail spending on the event, the growth has been driven by rising prices rather than an uplift in shopper demand.

Indeed, sales volumes are likely to decline, compared to 2021.

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While inflation has undoubtedly taken a bite out of Father’s Day sales, it is not necessarily the only factor.

Catherine Shuttleworth.Catherine Shuttleworth.
Catherine Shuttleworth.

Shoppers think many retailers are missing a trick, with 69 per cent of those who are celebrating the event saying that the products in shops are boring and lack inspiration. Fifty six per cent told us that they would spend more if they could find a better selection of products.

Catherine Shuttleworth of Get Savvy, said: “While shoppers report increasing spending on food, drinks and cards, categories including clothing, beauty products and experiences are set to move into reverse.

“Throughout 2022, we’ve seen calendar events (such as Valentine’s Day, Easter and Mother’s Day) deliver record breaking sales for retailers. While Father’s Day continues the streak in term of cash ringing through the tills, inflation means retailers stand to sell fewer items - especially in higher margin categories like clothing and beauty.

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“We see shoppers are planning to focus their spending on buying food and drinks to have at home, with 65 per cent of those planning to celebrate will do so at home.”

Online shopping is particularly prominent among Father’s Day gifters, with 65 per cent expecting they’ll buy gifts from an online retailer. After supermarkets, Amazon is the biggest source of Father’s Day gift inspiration, used by 56 per cent of those planning to buy something.

Many trends we’ve seen develop during other calendar events are reflected in the Father’s Day research:

- 66 per cent would rather buy gifts from smaller and independent retailers

- 58 per cent want to buy sustainable gifts

- 49 per cent plan to buy a personalised gift

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Ms Shuttleworth added: “With the cost-of-living crisis encouraging shoppers to consider what they spend more carefully, the onus is on retailers to inspire and provide ideas.

“Increasingly the traditional supermarket seasonal aisle will not cut it, especially among younger shoppers.”

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