News Summary
Retailers across Kentucky are preparing for a historic Father’s Day as consumer spending is expected to hit a record $24 billion nationwide. On average, consumers intend to spend approximately $199.38 on gifts, reflecting increased recognition of the occasion. Nearly half of consumers plan to purchase gifts for father figures, with popular choices including greeting cards, clothing, and experiences. The Kentucky Retail Federation highlights the economic significance of such retail holidays, emphasizing the growth in consumer investment and the focus on enhancing shopping experiences.
Frankfort, Kentucky – Retailers across Kentucky are gearing up for a historic Father’s Day this year, with a National Retail Federation (NRF) survey predicting that nationwide consumer spending will hit a record $24 billion ahead of June 15, 2025. This expected spending surpasses the previous record of $22.9 billion established in 2023, demonstrating an increasing trend in consumer investment for the holiday dedicated to honoring fathers.
On average, consumers plan to spend approximately $199.38 this Father’s Day, an increase of roughly $10 from last year’s average expenditure of $189.81. This reflects a growing recognition of the occasion among families and friends, who are eager to express appreciation for father figures in their lives.
The NRF survey revealed that nearly half of all consumers, about 48%, are planning to purchase gifts for a father or stepfather this year. The survey also shows that husbands, sons, brothers, friends, and grandfathers will be receiving gifts as well, with respective percentage allocations of 25%, 12%, 9%, 8%, and 6% indicating a broad base of gift recipients.
Popular Gift Choices
Among the various gift options available, consumers are gravitating towards traditional items and experiences. The top gifts for fathers include:
- Greeting cards (58%)
- Clothing (55%)
- Special outings (53%)
- Gift cards (50%)
In recent years, there has been a notable shift towards more modern gifting options. Subscription boxes and experience gifts are becoming increasingly popular. This year, 43% of shoppers are expected to give a subscription box, a significant rise from 34% in 2019. Additionally, 30% of consumers plan to gift an experience, up from 23% just four years ago.
Shopping Trends
The NRF survey, conducted from May 1-7, gathered responses from 8,225 consumers across the nation, highlighting evolving shopping preferences. Notably, online shopping continues to be the favored method for consumers, capturing 41% of the market share. Other shopping venues include:
- Department stores (35%)
- Discount stores (23%)
- Specialty stores (22%)
- Local/small businesses (19%)
Economic Impact
The Kentucky Retail Federation (KRF), which represents a wide array of businesses from department stores to local boutiques, has noted the economic importance of such retail holidays. Founded in 1939, the KRF currently supports over 556,000 jobs in the state, contributing more than $9.3 billion in annual wages and generating $2.8 billion in state sales tax revenue.
The preparation for Father’s Day is just one of the many occasions that emphasize the retail sector’s role in the economy. As spending continues to rise, retailers in Kentucky are focused on providing exceptional selections, value, and services to meet consumer needs during this busy holiday season.
With the anticipated record spending, Kentucky’s retailers are not only poised to benefit economically from Father’s Day in 2025 but are also committed to enhancing shopping experiences for their customers, ensuring that the celebration is meaningful and memorable for families across the state.
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Additional Resources
- Suburban Chicagoland: Often Overlooked Single Fathers Deserve Praise This Father’s Day
- Wikipedia: Father’s Day
- Fox56 News: Frankfort Church Moves Easter Sunday Service to Different Location After Floods
- Google Search: Father’s Day 2025
- Fox56 News: What Do Residents Need to Know as Cleanup Continues in Frankfort
- Google Scholar: Father’s Day Spending Trends
- Fox56 News: Frankfort Heads into 3rd Day of Curfew as Recovery Efforts Continue
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Father’s Day
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
