Consumers plan to spend about $2 more this year for the Easter holiday than they did last year. According to National Retail Federation’s 2010 Easter Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, the average person will spend $118.60 this year, compared to $116.59 last year. Total spending is expected to reach $13.03 billion.
Spending for most items will remain the same as last year. The average person will spend $17.29 on candy, compared to $16.55 last year, and $18.16 on gifts, up from $17.30 last year. Other holiday purchases include clothing ($19.03), food ($37.45), flowers ($7.84), decorations ($6.34) and greeting cards ($6.30).
Most Americans will purchase Easter merchandise at discount (64.8%) and department stores (33.2%). Shoppers will also head to specialty stores such as florists or gift/greeting card stores (22%), online (13.1%), specialty clothing stores (7.0%) and catalogs (3.7%).
While 25-34 year-olds plan to spend the most for Easter at $136.79, more 18-24 year olds will buy gifts. Nearly three-quarters (71.3%) of young adults ages 18-24 will buy gifts this year, compared to 65.8 percent of 25-34 year olds and 65.5 percent of 35-44 year olds.
Young adults will spend an average of $125.85 on Easter merchandise, followed by 35-44 year olds ($124.66), 45-54 year olds ($117.54), 55-64 year olds ($106.82) and 65+ ($98.72).