Retailers will be having a tougher time this Easter than they did last year according to a new survey from the National Retail Federation. BIGResearch, the firm that conducted the “2009 Easter Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey” predicts that consumers in the United States will spend an average $116 on Easter decorations, food, gifts, candy and clothing, down from last year’s average of $135.
The survey shows that Americans will be choosing less expensive celebrations and that many are opting not to buy new spring clothing for the holiday. The largest expense for the holiday is reported to be the meal, followed by gifts, with the smallest portion of the expense being for candy.
The majority of the shoppers surveyed indicated that they would be doing their shopping at discount stores, with about 1/3 planning to visit their favorite department store, and one in four plan to visit a specialty store. Only 11% of shoppers planned to do their Easter shopping online.
Retailers are hoping however, that since Easter is falling later this year than usual, the warmer weather will encourage more people to shop for flowers, clothing and gifts for the holiday.
Leave a Reply