Dip in Easter Spending Predicted

Washington, D.C., Consumer spending this Easter may be less than in previous years, according to a new survey conducted by BIGresearch for the National Retail Federation (NRF).

The NRF 2005 Easter Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey found that 75.9% of Americans plan to celebrate Easter, about the same percentage as last year. However, the surveyed consumers plan to spend an average of $96.51 for the holiday, down from $107.1 last Easter.

About one-third of their budgets, or an average of $30.77, will go toward food. Another $14.39 will be spent on candy. Americans celebrating Easter plan to spend an average of $14.66 on clothing and $14.86 on gifts.