NRF: Americans to Spend More this Easter

Retail spending during the Easter holiday is expected to be slightly higher than last year’s holiday, according to the National Retail Federation (Washington, D.C.). The trade group’s Easter Spending Survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics found that the average consumer celebrating Easter will spend $140.62, up a few dollars from last year’s $137.46 per person. Total retail spending for Easter, including apparel, decorations, gifts, candy, food and flowers is expected to reach $16.4 billion.

Forty-five percent of those surveyed will purchase apparel and spend $2.9 billion on clothing. Nearly 86 percent will purchase food for the holiday and spend more than $5.3 billion on Easter fare; 87 percent of those surveyed say they will buy candy for the holiday and spend more than $2.2 billion on sweets.

More than 58 percent of participants said they will shop at discount stores for holiday merchandise, according to the NRF. About 40 percent will shop at department stores, and nearly one-quarter plan to shop at a local or small business. Additionally, 21.8 percent will visit specialty stores (such as florists or jewelers) and 18 percent will shop online ahead of the holiday.