Consumers appear to be spending less on Mother’s Day amid economic concerns

One shopper in Carolina said she wanted to buy something her mother would like but that is not expensive.

By The Star Staff

Amid concerns with cuts in federal funding for agencies, the hike in tariffs imposed by President Trump and fears about the economy in general, Puerto Rico residents appear to be spending less on Mother’s Day.

Mariana González, who was in Plaza Carolina shopping for a Mother’s Day gift, said she wanted to buy something her mother would like but that it is not expensive.

“With all the things that are going on, I have to be careful with my spending, not just today but in general,” she said.

José Colón, a technician from Carolina, said he will give his mother flowers, but plans a home-cooked meal to avoid spending money in restaurants as he said “everywhere I go everything seems to be going up.”

Gustavo Quiñones, who works in retail, said he wanted to buy something nice but not too costly. He said he thought about buying his mother a new television but gave up on the idea.

Newsweek reported meanwhile that a new survey by online lending marketplace LendingTree found that Mother’s Day spending is set to drop by 14% in 2025. Among those planning to purchase gifts, 56% said they will be spending less due to inflation and the broader state of the economy, with 38% pointing to the impact of tariffs on their decision.

Persistent inflation and the anticipated impacts of tariffs on the price of goods have already significantly damaged consumer confidence, according to Newsweek.

LendingTree’s survey was based on responses from over 2,000 U.S. consumers. Seventy-one percent of respondents said they planned to give gifts this year, mostly to mothers (42%), partners (17%) and mothers-in-law (12%). Half of those surveyed (50%) said they plan to spend more than they can afford this year.

A Center for a New Economy report, titled “Potatoes and Beer: When Trade Wars Knock on Our Doors,” that was published a month ago foretold that Puerto Rico consumers could experience a significant increase in prices for everyday products, such as clothing, footwear, household appliances and food. Electronic devices such as cell phones and televisions, as well as key inputs for the pharmaceutical industry, are also among the most affected.