Improved economy makes for a more lavish Mother's Day

Improved economy makes for a more lavish Mother's Day
By Lois Calderon | Posted: 09 May 2011 0756 hrs

SINGAPORE: More mothers spent their special day in style this year, as improved economic conditions allowed consumers to loosen their purse-strings.

On Sunday, many were treated to fine dining, free concerts and museum visits, as well as all the perks businesses could afford for Mother's Day.

Temasek Polytechnic estimates that children spent an average S$200 to S$500 on their mothers this year, a clear turnaround from the recession years.

Industry experts attributed this kind of spending behaviour to better financial and economic health.

"I think in the past, people tended to be more thrifty on occasions like this. But in recent years, there are more and more people actually wanting to celebrate this occasion. Of course, I think maybe when things get better they are willing to spend more," said Mr Samuel Tan Wah Ngui, course manager in retail management at Temasek Polytechnic.

More than 1,500 beneficiaries and residents from various Voluntary Welfare Organisations and grassroots constituencies celebrated at Esplanade with a "Beautiful Sunday" musical presentation of evergreen favourites at the Concert Hall.

Businesses were also more generous with freebies.

Eastpoint Mall in Simei, for instance, held a beauty pageant for the most good-looking mother and grandmother.

Kinki restaurant, meanwhile, launched a search for the hottest mum contest with a trip to Bali as the prize for the winner.

Temasek Polytechnic estimates that while the bulk of the spending would go to dining, it is also a boon time for retailers due to the economic upturn.

- CNA/de

- wong chee tat :)