There's a good chance that after church on Sunday, florist Donna Waggoner will be out in the brilliant sunshine delivering flowers.
Sure it will be Mother's Day and Waggoner, the owner of Double D Florist and Gifts, is a mom. But with the economy down and Waggoner not wanting to disappoint her best customers, she will be sending some mixed bouquets to the good people of Rio Linda.
"Friday and Saturday are the big delivery days," said Waggoner. "But once services are over and I spend a little time with my kids, I usually have a few special deliveries."
Waggoner said business is brisk this Mother's Day week, traditionally the busiest time of the year after Valentine's Day. However, given the recession, people are cutting back on price.
"The difference this year is the amount they are spending," said Waggoner. "Last year they would spend $60 to $70. This year they are spending $30 to $40."
A report released by the National Retail Federation states that Americans are expected to spend about 10 percent less this year on Mother's Day, with total spending predicted to be $14 billion. Spending is expected to decline from $139 to $124 per person.
Nobody will forget celebrating Mother's Day because of the economy, but they will think carefully about what they buy and how much they spend, according to the trade group. About $2 billion will be spent on flowers. And about $2.7 billion will be spent to take mom for an outing such as brunch.
Over at the Sterling Hotel of Sacramento, general manager Martin Vale said he has noticed people tightening purse strings. But after he took out a newspaper ad, complete with the menu for a Mother's Day champagne brunch, he now has 480 people reserved for brunch.
"That's excellent," said Vale. "For Easter we did about 275."
Vale said costs to the restaurant are up at least 10 percent, but he has kept the price of brunch the same as in 2008: $39.95 for adults, $36.95 for seniors and children $19.95, because diners are watching what they spend.
"Just to be sensitive to the economy and people's pockets, I just felt it was in our best interest to do what we did last year," said Vale. "It will be busy but not overwhelming."
At Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates in downtown Sacramento, owner Ginger Elizabeth Hahn expects brisk business this week despite the sluggish economy.
"It's definitely better than last year," she said. "Our Valentine's Day was rockin'. Mother's Day will be great. Orders are piling in. Saturday will probably be our biggest day and we will be open on Mother's Day even though we are normally not open on Sunday."
Call The Bee's Bill Lindelof, (916) 321-1079.
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