UK consumer spending for Father’s Day is set to grow by 1.8 per cent in 2025 to £1.12 billion — outpacing Mother’s Day growth for the first time. But inflation is bolstering that figure rather than an uplift in shopper participation, prompting a clear warning from analysts: retailers must act now to unlock the event’s full retail potential.
According to GlobalData’s UK Father’s Day Intentions 2025 report, just 45 per cent of UK consumers intend to celebrate the occasion — down 1.5 percentage points from 2024. Categories like cards and gift wrap are bearing the brunt of the dip, with only 20 per cent of shoppers planning to buy in this segment compared to 23 per cent the year before.
Zoe Mills, lead retail analyst at GlobalData, says that despite the small uptick in overall spend, the figures are misleading. “Unlike Mother’s Day, Father’s Day appears more rushed, often not hitting the shelves with any momentum until closer to the event,” she explains. “This results in Father’s Day often feeling lacklustre. While growth may appear stronger this year, volumes are projected to decline as shoppers cut back.”
The data suggests that a reactive approach could leave retailers missing out on revenue. “Only 35 per cent of shoppers leave their purchases to the last minute, which means there’s an opportunity to influence the majority with well-timed, well-placed ranges,” Mills adds.
GlobalData is urging retailers to boost their in-store and online presence for Father’s Day and to push value messaging across their offers. Mills concludes: “Retailers must focus on promotions, such as loyalty scheme pricing. Marketing for the occasion should also focus on little treats or gestures, such as large chocolate bars or tools and gadgets, to recognise the event and entice shoppers to pick up items in the lead up to the event. Placing these items around checkouts would also encourage shoppers to spend.”