Easter spending expected to be up nationally

Written by Dave Gallagher | The Bellingham Herald | March 31, 2010

The National Retail Federation is predicting a slight increase in Easter holiday spending.

According to its 2010 Easter Consumer Intentions Survey, consumers will spend an average of $118.60, up from $116.59 last year but still lower than recent years. Total spending is expected to reach $13.03 billion.
Here is the Average Easter Spending by Year:
2003 $102.75
2004 107.17
2005 96.51
2006 121.62
2007 135.07
2008 135.03
2009 116.59
Est. 2010 118.60

While spending on most items will remain the same as last year, children can expect more candy in their Easter baskets this 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 Easter. Other holiday purchases include clothing ($19.03), food ($37.45), flowers ($7.84), decorations ($6.34) and greeting cards ($6.30).