Consumers say they will spend an average $179.70 this Easter, the highest figure on record, the National Retail Federation reports. An estimated 79% of Americans will spend $21.6 billion for the holiday, down slightly from last year’s pre-pandemic forecast of $21.7 billion.
The 8,111 consumers surveyed between March 1 and 8 said they would mark the holiday by cooking a holiday meal (59%), visiting with family and friends (43%), watching TV (43%), planning an Easter egg hunt (31%) or attending church (28%).
Anticipated expenses are $31.06 on gifts; $52.50 on food and $25.22 on candy, all up slightly from last year.
While the pandemic continues some said they would rather not gather in person. Twenty-two percent said they would attend church virtually and 24% said they would connect with their loved ones by phone or video. The survey has a 1.1% margin of error.
