A national poll conducted by the Australian Retailers Association and research outfit Roy Morgan suggests people who plan to get mum something special will spend $80 on average.

For 90 per cent of those surveyed, that means outlaying at least as much as they did last year.

Flowers are likely to be the most popular pressie. They were mentioned by 34 per cent of the 1162 respondents.

Alcohol and food - read mainly champagne and chocolates - were nominated by 23 per cent, while clothes, shoes and sleepwear were favoured by 11 per cent.

About a quarter of gift-givers also intend getting something for someone other than their birth mother, such as mothers-in-law, wives, partners or other family members.

Retailers Association CEO Paul Zahra says outlets have already begun promoting Mother's Day offers and are set to capitalise on what is a key event on the consumer calendar.

"With just two weeks to go until Mother's Day, Australians are set to flock to the shops and head online for gifts for mum, he said.

"Whilst it's an important day to celebrate the immense contribution of mums and the sacrifices they make, Australians will also use the day to acknowledge other significant people in their lives."

Despite cost of living pressures, Mr Zahra said sales remain strong and continue to be spurred along by key retail events, with Easter providing a boost to food retailers and businesses in popular tourist destinations.

More than $7 billion was forecast to be spent on trips away over Easter, and $1.5 billion on food and chocolates.

Australian Associated Press