Cynthia Williams of Warrenton is buying less for Father's Day this year.

On Friday, she brought her husband to The Home Depot on Bobby Jones Expressway to select a portable charcoal grill.

"He wanted something smaller. Right now, no one's working but me, so it's difficult because of the economy," she said.

Mrs. Williams said she's going to spend about 30 percent less this year.

Shoppers are still coming to The Home Depot, but they're spending less this Father's Day, said Richard Goodly, the specialty sales assistant store manager. Grills, tool sets and lawn mowers are among the most popular items, he said.

The National Retail Federation says Americans are expected to spend an average of $90.89 on gifts for dad, which is down from $94.54 last year. Nationwide, total spending is expected to reach $9.4 million. Shoppers are expected to spend the most on dinners or a sporting event, followed by clothing, gift cards and electronics.

Sales are slightly down at Jos. A. Bank Clothiers on Highland Avenue, but it's "nothing earth-shattering," said store manager Norman Dorgan. The store had a one-day sale Tuesday. Shoppers are buying suits, sport coats, shirts and ties as gifts, he said.

"We had a great turnout. People are looking for deals absolutely, but I don't think it's as bad as it was four or five months ago. Every month is better than the one before," he said.

Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse on Washington Road is having a Father's Day gift card promotion. If shoppers buy a Lowe's gift card valued at $50 or more, they get one of three Kobalt tools for free, said Tyrone Outen, the department manager of hardware.

Stan Frazier, the zone manager at Lowe's, said customers are buying more gift cards than other items.

The National Retail Federation survey found that customers are more likely to shop at discount stores this year.

Ross Dress For Less on Wrightsboro Road has seen an influx of customers, said store manager Shirley Asterita.

"Our sales are up. I think any of the discount stores are really seeing an increase because people are shopping there rather the malls," Ms. Asterita said. "They're buying a variety of things ... barbecue stuff, apparel, they just mix it up."

Reach LaTina Emerson at (706) 823-3227

or latina.emerson@augustachronicle.com.