Australians to spend US$635 million on Father's Day this week

By

Benjamin Fitzgerald

Published
Sep 1, 2017

Australian shoppers are slated to spend several million dollars this week in the lead up to Father's Day, held in the nation on September 3, 2017.

According to the latest predictions from the National Retailer's Association, the official retail authority in Australia, local shoppers will part ways with approximately AU$800 million (US$635 million) to appease the annual familial celebration, up 2.2% on last year.

Per dad, shoppers are set to spend on average AU$52.74 for Father’s Day 2017. And, while the figure isn't to be blinked at, this is still well below the national average spend on mum for Mother's Day, which is well above $70.

“We are anticipating an annual growth on the 2016 figures of around 2.2%, which is in line with the growth rate for previous years," said NRA chief executive, Dominique Lamb.

The retail industry has seen total national sales for Father’s Day go from $768 million two years ago, to what the NRA predicts will be a tick over $800 million in 2017.

By category, traditional items such as hardware and electronic devices, as well as personal care items such as aftershave will account for around 20% of all gifts this Father’s Day.

“However, we expect the highest proportion of consumer spend to occur in dining locations such as cafes and restaurants as Australian's treat dad to a special Father's Day meal," said Lamb.

Australia is home to approximately five and a half million dads this Father’s Day. Mother's Day is held each year on the first Sunday in May.