Can Luck of the Irish Drive Spending?

Trend experts at American Greetings Corp. (Cleveland), the manufacturer and retailer of cards, stationery and gifts, report that more than 44 percent of Americans will celebrate St. Patrick's Day today. Spending for the annual holiday is expected around $3.3 billion, a drop from years past.
 

While parades are a popular St. Patrick's Day activity, 30 percent of consumers will commemorate the holiday by dining out, and more than 33 percent will be making a special meal at home.
 

The study also found that consumer will spend a little green to bring some green to their lives. This year, more than 20 percent of consumers will decorate their home or office, and 82 percent will wear a little green to get in the spirit.