With Mothering Sunday fast approaching, we here at Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP have revisited the history behind the traditional day dedicated to mothers all around the world. Mothering Sunday has been celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent since at least the 16th Century and is exactly three weeks before Easter Sunday.
The background to Mothering Sunday, ‘Refreshment Sunday’ or ‘Pudding Pie Sunday’ as has been known previously, is derived from when people returned to the church in which they were baptised or where they attended services when from their childhood. This meant that families were reunited as adults returned to the towns and villages where they grew up. In time, it became customary for young people to be given a holiday on Mothering Sunday. They could use this day to visit their mother and often took a gift of food or hand-me-down clothing from their employers to her. It was a day in Lent when the fasting rules were relaxed.
In modern day, people still visit and take gifts to their mothers. The gifts have become more extravagant however the initial idea of visiting your mother still remains. So how does this impact on businesses? According to the National Retail Federation, Mothering Sunday has become the third-largest consumer spending holiday in the US. US Consumers have spent more than $40 billion on Mothering Sunday over the past two years. In comparison to Father’s Day, which ranks as the sixth-largest spending holiday, Mother’s Day is an extremely popular day for giving gifts and sharing love. The trend correlates in to the UK as well, with Mother’s Day fast becoming one of the most celebrated holidays of the year.
So with the day fast approaching, does your company still need the special touch to boost interest and grab attention?
When planning promotions for this special day, retailers are advised to strive toward giving consumers exactly what they want and making sure they know about it in no uncertain terms! Now more than ever, consumers want convenience and consistency.
We have all seen the adverts, special offers, balloons and banners, so how can anyone possibly forget Mothering Sunday on the 15th March? Whether that is because of the usual chocolates and flowers or personalised mugs and bears, retailers have to catch the eye of the consumer in order to bring purses out of handbags and wallets out of pockets.
With our innovative ideas and dedicated team, we here at Fisher Jones Greenwood are able to give you legal advice to help make your business flourish. For more information as to how we will brighten your business, please contact our Corporate Commercial Department on 01245 584515 or [email protected].