corporate info

shopping for Mother's Day gifts, most delay until the last minute

With just over a week left until Mother's Day, most Canadians are starting to think about what to buy their moms, according to a new shopping survey from Sears Canada Inc. (TSX: SCC). If you are one of the nearly 20 per cent of Canadians who have forgotten to acknowledge Mother's Day in the past, it's not too late to redeem yourself: according to the survey, almost a third of Canadians (30%) do their Mother's Day shopping less than one week in advance.

Last-minute shoppers

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The national survey conducted by Leger Marketing* on behalf of Sears Canada, surveyed Canadians about their shopping habits for Mother's Day. While the majority of Canadians (73%) responded that they purchase a Mother's Day gift for their mom every year, and nearly two thirds of Canadians (65%) claim to enjoy this yearly ritual, only 22 per cent plan their purchases more than two weeks in advance.

Sons vs. Daughters

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So how do sons compare to daughters in a Mother's Day gift-shopping face-off? The survey revealed that men are more likely than women (25% vs. 13%) to forget to acknowledge Mother's Day with a phone call, greeting card or gift. In addition, men tend to leave the responsibility of purchasing a Mother's Day gift for their mom to their partner. In fact, one third of Canadian women handle Mother's Day gift purchases for not only their own mom, but for their partner's mom as well. On the other hand, men tend to spend more money on Mother's Day gifts than women ($61 vs. $51 respectively).

Flowers...again?

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The survey also revealed that when at a loss for gift ideas, Canadians don't hesitate asking for help. In fact, one half of Canadians aged 18-34 (51%) admit to seeking input for Mother's Day gift ideas from the gift recipient themselves -- their moms. Even so, giving flowers for Mother's Day remains a popular choice, as the majority of Canadians (70%) admitted that they have given flowers to their mom for Mother's Day more than once.

"It's not surprising that the closer we get to Mother's Day, more customers ask for help in finding the perfect gifts for their moms," says Vincent Power, Director of Corporate Communications, Sears Canada. "We're always happy to help with ideas and suggestions. And for those particularly hard-to-shop-for moms, you may want to consider scheduling a shopping session with one of our Elves who can help you find a gift Mom is sure to love."

To give Canadians a jump-start on how to give thoughtful and creative gifts this Mother's Day, Sears Canada has developed the following Mother's Day Gift Ideas and Shopping Tips to suit every mom:

    
    -   Give the Gift of Choice - Give mom the option to get what she really
        wants this Mother's Day. Last-minute shoppers can quickly pick up a
        Sears Gift Card in any denomination in-store - even on Mother's Day
        morning!
    -   Hi-Tech Mom - If your mom likes high-tech gadgets, then the Fidelity
        Digital Picture Frame makes the perfect gift! She can upload and
        update her favourite photos as she wishes. Or perhaps treat her to an
        MP3 player and load it up with the songs she'll love.
    -   Long-distance Mom - For long-distance gift-giving, take advantage of
        the Ship-A-Gift(R) service available through Sears locations across
        Canada. Choose from hundreds of gift ideas online or from a Sears
        catalogue and have a gift shipped to your mom's nearest Sears
        location.
    -   Sporty Mom - Help her bring fitness home by giving her some new home
        exercise equipment such as a handy Free Spirit(R) fitness ball with
        instructional DVD. Or consider treating Mom to a new gym outfit in a
        fun, bright colour to help get her revved up for those workouts she
        loves.
    -   Mother's Day Makeover - Pamper your mom with professional salon
        services offered from The Hair Studio at participating Sears
        locations across Canada. For a list of products, services and
        availability in your area, visit www.sears.ca or inquire in-store.
    -   Fashionista Mom - If Mom is a trendsetter, she'll love the gift of
        spring accessories for an instant wardrobe pick-me-up. Choose from
        items in the extensive Sears jewellery or accessories department that
        suit her style: if she's classic, go for pearls (real or faux). If
        she's funky, give her bangles. Tuck them away in a cute new handbag
        and she'll be ready to go.
    -   Say it with Flowers - If your mom is a fan of flowers, she'll love
        the selection available from Flowers By Sears. Useful online tools at
        www.flowersbysears.ca allow you to tailor your search by occasion,
        style and price to select the right gift for your mom. You can also
        order by phone at 1-800-461-3233.
    -   Green Thumb Mom - Now that spring is here, consider upgrading Mom's
        garden tools and accessories for Mother's Day. Treat her to some new
        trimming shears, patio furniture or garden accessories that she'll be
        sure to enjoy all season long.
    -   Whisk Mom Away - Give Mom some much-needed R&R this Mother's Day by
        sending her away on a mini-vacation. With daily Hot Deals and special
        offers available through Sears Travel.ca, giving the gift of travel
        has never been easier or more affordable.
  

Still unsure what to get Mom this Mother's Day? Book an Elf to help you find the best gift for your mom. Visit your local Sears Canada store to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced helpers.

Whether you're on a budget or simply strapped for time, Mother's Day shopping can be easy and affordable with Sears Canada. Customers are sure to find gifts moms will love with the hundreds of gift ideas in-store, online and through the Sears catalogue. For a wide selection of great gift ideas, visit your local Sears Canada store or visit www.sears.ca.

Sears Canada is a multi-channel retailer with a network of 196 corporate stores, 178 dealer stores, 64 home improvement showrooms, over 1,850 catalogue merchandise pick-up locations, 106 Sears Travel offices and a nationwide home maintenance, repair, and installation network. The Company also publishes Canada's most extensive general merchandise catalogue and offers shopping online at www.sears.ca.

* Leger Marketing conducted this survey via telephone. Data was collected between April 20 and April 25, 2007. A total of 1502 interviews were completed. The margin of error for a sample of this size is +/- 2.5%, 19 times out of 20.

SOURCE: Sears Canada Inc.

Media Contact: Katarina Kristanic, Sears Canada Inc., (416) 941-4424,
katarina.kristanic@sears.ca