Food and drink retailers are being urged to maximise Father’s Day sales opportunities by offering affordable deals for those looking to recreate the dining-out experience at home after a new research revealed that more consumers plan to celebrate the occasion this year though shoppers remain cautious.
According to GlobalData, more UK consumers intend to celebrate Father’s Day this year through gifting, dining and other activities. However, spending is set to remain restrained as they continue to take a cautious approach to discretionary purchases, with a greater proportion planning to spend the same or less than last year.
GlobalData’s latest report, “UK Father’s Day Intentions 2026 ,” reveals that 49.2% of UK consumers intend to participate in the occasion on 21 June, representing a 4.1 percentage-point increase on 2025. This growth is fueled by stronger engagement among younger consumers, a growing preference for spending quality time with family and resilient demand across key categories such as food & drink.
For non-food retailers, success will depend on offering clearly tiered price-point options across categories, such as clothing and fine jewellery & watches, while also capitalizing on demand for experiences through digital gift cards and vouchers. For grocers, campaigns must support hosting and food-led celebrations at home.
Dora Punk, Retail Analyst at GlobalData comments: “Father’s Day spending is becoming more diverse. Rising engagement among the 25-34-year-olds is particularly encouraging for retailers, as these shoppers often buy for multiple family members, driving higher spending across gifting categories.”
Intentions data suggests that leisure activities will account for a greater share of Father’s Day spending this year, as more affluent consumers shift their spending towards dining out and attending events. Shoppers are seeking convenience in their dining choices, with dining out expected to be the most popular way to celebrate.
Grocers must respond by appealing to those trying to keep costs down, emphasizing interesting, high quality, curated meal options, to encourage shoppers to recreate the dining-out experience at home.
Punk continues: “Although experience-led spending is on the rise amongst some cohorts, gifts remain the core component of purchases. As consumers continue to be mindful of their spending, retailers must focus on offering options across value, midmarket and premium price points.”
This balanced approach will allow retailers to meet a range of budgets and shopping missions, helping to capture demand across the full spectrum of Father’s Day spending.
Punk concludes: “Father’s Day growth is attainable, but retailers will only capitalize on it by removing friction from the shopping journey, building clear price architecture and emphasising reasons to spend, as some shoppers are tempted by leisure experiences.
"While retailers will have launched campaigns well ahead of the occasion, they must ensure these remain visible right up to the event to engage both early planners and last-minute shoppers. Product offers must be kept simple and easy to navigate, supported by curated online lists and bestseller edits that reduce decision fatigue.”