Easter Shoppers Will Help Economy By Spending Nearly $107 Each On Gifts.

U.S. consumers who celebrate Easter by giving presents expect to spend an average of $106.90 this year, according to the annual Easter Shopping Survey by the International Mass Retail Association. Three-quarters plan to do their Easter shopping at discount department stores — the top shopping destination.

Candy leads the gift list, as 66 percent plan to satisfy the sweet teeth of their families and friends. Children will benefit most from Easter giving this year — nearly seven in 10 Easter shoppers plan to buy presents for kids this year.

Shoppers will give an array of Easter presents: 45 percent will buy gift cards; 31 percent, plants or garden accessories; 29 percent, children’s apparel; 27 percent, toys; adult apparel, 21 percent; and 13 percent, jewelry or accessories. Supermarkets are the second most popular Easter shopping choice (66%), followed by department stores (38%), drug stores (38%), specialty stores (32%) and category dominant stores (24%).

“Easter shoppers can give this economy an important boost, and we are pleased that they are selecting discount department stores for their gifts,” said IMRA President Robert J. Verdisco. “These stores help shoppers stretch their budgets and find the right gifts to celebrate this special holiday.”

About four in 10 Easter shoppers (43%) will buy gifts for their spouses or significant others, and 37 percent will give presents to other adult family members. Their generosity extends to friends, neighbors and co-workers, too (17%), and 9 percent will give gifts to pets.

Men plan to spend more than women this Easter -— $122, compared with $99 for women. Those ages 35 to 44 expect to spend more than other age groups ($116.70).

IMRA’s Easter Shopping Survey took place March 23-25 and involved about 1,000 U.S. consumers. For more information on this and other surveys, visit IMRA’s website at www.imra.org.