Local businesses welcome steady Mother's Day foot traffic
Warmer weather and clear blue skies invited crowds out on Sunday to celebrate Mother's Day.
Americans are estimated to spend $34 billion celebrating the holiday, according to the National Retail Federation . About 84 percent of people say they will be celebrating and spending $260 on average.
Businesses in Bangor were seeing some of that excitement.
“I think the odds are pretty good that we're going to sell out today. It's already going great,” said Miki Macdonald, owner of Biggi’s Breads, outside her booth at Bangor’s weekly farmer’s market .
Macdonald says it is hard to predict how many people will frequent the market for the holiday, but she thinks fair weather and a strong selection of merchandise help.
“Farmers' markets are full of goodies that are nurturing. We have flowers here, baked goods, vegetables,” Macdonald said. “I think it's a good Mother's Day for Biggi’s.”
Management at Sprague’s Nursery & Garden Center also thought Sunday would be a good day.
“Thank goodness for all of the rows of parking in the parking lot, because otherwise we'd be spilling out into Union Street,” Lily Salfi, retail manager at Sprague’s, said.
She says that Mother’s Day is one of the busiest days the store sees in a year.
“It definitely clears out a number of inventory and makes room for new and fresh,” said Salfi, noting that in a few weeks, Memorial Day will draw another large crowd.
For stores in and around Bangor, Mother’s Day festivities were coupled with the University of Maine’s graduation ceremonies. Justin Eames, general manager at Utopia Restaurant & Bar , says the two together have meant constant business.
“This is even more intense because it's graduation weekend too, so it's a double whammy,” Eames said.
In the restaurant on Sunday afternoon, there was the Bilodeau family. Bethany Bilodeau says she doesn’t mind having to share the spotlight with her graduating daughter, Sophie.
“I'm happy to share the date,” Bethany said with a chuckle. “I feel like I’m overshadowing her,” Sophie said.
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