Easter gets shoppers going, too

A week after releasing its St. Patrick's Day spending outlook – the first in more than a year that showed expected year-over-year gains – the National Retail Federation released its forecast for Easter spending.

For the second consecutive holiday, the survey showed spending expected to rise from a year ago. Here's the release:

According to NRF’s 2010 Easter Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, holiday celebrants will spend slightly more this year with the average person expected to shell out $118.60, up from $116.59 last year. Total spending is expected to reach $13.03 billion.

While spending on most items will remain the same as last year, children can expect more jelly beans, flavored marshmallows and even gifts in their Easter baskets this year. The average person will spend $17.29 on candy, compared with $16.55 last year, and $18.16 on gifts, up from $17.30 last Easter. Other holiday purchases include clothing ($19.03), food ($37.45), flowers ($7.84), decorations ($6.34) and greeting cards ($6.30). 

While 25-34 year-olds will be spending the most this 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 with 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).

– Chris Freeman