Released April 10, 2009
STAR CITY, Ark. - The Easter bunny will be handing out fewer jelly beans, chocolates and other gifts this year because even he is cutting back in a tough economy, says Jane Newton, Lincoln County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
According to a survey by the National Retail Federation (NRF), Americans will spend an average of $116.59 on Easter candy, gifts, food and decorations, which is down from an average of $135.03 last year.
The NRF survey indicates that many Americans will opt for less expensive celebrations this year, Newton says.
In a poll of 8,498 consumers from March 3-10, the NRF found that the average person expected to spend $37.67 on food, down from $41.09 last year. People will also spend less on gifts ($17.30 vs. $21.42 last year), flowers ($7.55 vs. $9.11 in 2008), and candy ($16.55 vs. $18.12 in 2008). Consumers are also planning to spend less on new spring attire. According to the survey, Americans will spend an average of $19.44, down from $23.82 last year.
The survey found the majority of people, 64 percent, will bargain shop at discounters this year. The percentage last year was 58.8 percent.
The survey indicates about a third of American consumers will head to their favorite department store for Easter merchandise, one in four will visit a specialty store and about 1 in 9 will shop online.
Total U.S. spending on the holiday is expected to reach $12.73 billion, Newton said.
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http://www.uaex.edu/news/april2009/0410easter_spending.htm
Contact: Lamar James, (501) 671-2187, ljames@uaex.edu
