Easter spending expected to drop 14%

by S. C.

Spending on chocolate bunnies, Easter outfits, flowers and other holiday fare is projected to fall about 14 percent this year after holding steady in 2008, according to the National Retail Federation.

Shoppers expect to spend an average of $116.59 for the Easter holiday, down from $135.03 a year ago, according to a survey conducted by BIGresearch for the retail trade group.

The largest expense will be Easter dinner, with the average person expected to spend $37.67 on food, down from $41.09 last year, the survey found. Spending on flowers, gifts and decorations also are forecast to decline.

Discount stores are forecast to draw the most traffic, with 64 percent of shoppers intending to shop there, up from 59 percent last year.