NRF: Easter spending expected to be flat

Washington, D.C. -- A report released Monday by the National Retail Federation said that the average person celebrating Easter this year will spend about $145.13 on candy, décor, apparel and food – with is flat with last year’s $145.28.



NRF, through its Easter Spending Survey conducted by BIGinsight, estimated that total spending will reach an estimated $17.2 billion this year.



“With a plethora of budgetary concerns already on their plates, Americans this Easter will look for special, creative ways to celebrate the holiday without breaking the bank,” said NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay. “And as spring weather rolls in, consumers will find affordable ways to spruce up their homes and wardrobes, just in time for visiting family and friends this Easter holiday. Retailers are already lining their shelves with specials on chocolates, warm-weather apparel and even gardening tools and outdoor furniture.”





The survey found much of consumers’ budgets will go towards food for a family brunch or dinner: 86.9% of those celebrating Easter will spend an average of $45.26 on items needed for their holiday meal. Traditionally known as the kickoff to spring, many will specifically set out to purchase new spring attire. Nearly half (48.4%) will purchase clothing this Easter, spending an average of $25.91 on Easter apparel. And, nine in 10 (90.5%) will stock up on Easter candy, spending an average of $20.66 on jelly beans, chocolate and more. Additionally, consumers will spend an average of $20.82 on gifts, $9.49 on flowers and $9.11 on decorations.





When it comes to where people will shop for their Easter needs, the survey found families will shop for price and value. Most people (63.4%) will shop at discount stores and four-in-10 (40.7%) will shop at department stores. Others will shop at specialty stores (24.9%), online (21.1%) and specialty clothing stores (10.6%).



The survey also found that many people will utilize their smartphones and tablets to shop for Easter items. Four-in-10 (43.3%) smartphone owners will use their mobile device to research product information, look up store hours and location, compare prices and even purchase gifts and other items. Specifically, 14.8% say they will purchase Easter products with their smartphones. More than half (51.0%) of tablet owners will use their device to make purchases, research products and prices and look up retailer information such as store locations and hours. One-in-five (22.1%) say they will purchase something via their tablet.