With Easter less than two weeks away, people are preparing, but the Easter Bunny will be on a budget this year.
In fact, he’ll spend slightly less than he did a year ago.
According to the National Retail Federation, Easter shopping totals in the U.S. will reach $17.2 billion, with buyers spending an average of $145.13, a slight decrease from last year’s $145.28 average.
“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,” says Matthew Shay, the president and CEO of NRF. “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.”
Most people will use the money they’ve set aside for Easter on food, with 86.9 percent saying they’ll use most of their budgets on a meal. About 48 percent say they’ll buy clothes for themselves or a child, and spend an average of $25.91 on an outfit. About 90 percent say they will spend their cash on sweets like candy and chocolates.
Shoppers are expected to spend an average of $20.82 on gifts, $9.49 on flowers and $9.11 on decorations, according to NRF.
An estimated 21.1 percent of shoppers will buy their Easter goodies online, with mobile devices expected to make a splash during this holiday. About 14 percent of respondents say they’ll buy items on their smartphones and 51 percent of tablet owners say they’ll use their devices to look up prices, store hours and make purchases.