NRF: U.S. consumer spending on Easter in 2018 was $18.2 billion

199IT original compilation

Easter spending this year is expected to reach $18.2 billion, nearly matching the 2017 record of $18.4 billion and the second-highest year ever, according to a survey released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics. A total of 81% of Americans celebrate the holiday this year, spending an average of $150 per person, down from $152 last year.

The survey shows that 87% of consumers will spend $5.7 billion on food, 48% of consumers will spend a total of $3.2 billion on clothing, $2.9 billion on gifts (61% of consumers), $2.6 billion on candy (89% of consumers), $1.3 billion on flowers (39%), $1.1 billion on decorations (42%), and $780 million on greeting cards (46%).

In preparation for the Easter holiday, 59% of consumers will shop at discount stores, 46% will go to department stores, 28% of respondents will shop online, 25% will go to specialty stores, and 25% will go to small businesses or local stores. 30% of smartphone users will research products or compare their prices, and 19% will make purchases on their phones.

Consumers plan to celebrate Easter in several ways:

• 60% visit family and friends;
• 58% of Americans prepare holiday meals;
• 51% of respondents go to church;
• 17% of people will go to restaurants.

The Easter Bunny is expected to have a busy holiday season: 35% of consumers will participate in Easter egg hunts and 16% will open presents. In addition to traditional holiday activities, some consumers will pursue more leisurely activities: 45% will watch TV, 11% will shop online, 9% will shop in stores and 8% will go to the movies.

199IT.com Originally compiled from: NRF. Please do not reprint without authorization