More than 21 percent of Easter shopping will take place online this year, according to projections released this week by the National Retail Federation.
Easter-related online sales have almost doubled since 2007, when the federation began tracking spending. This year’s purchases could give another lift to the shipping sector since most online orders are delivered to consumers.
Total Easter sales are expected to hit $17.3 billion, an all-time high. Consumers plan to spend an average of $146 per person, up 4 percent from last year.
The most popular items purchased will include clothing, candy and gifts, the federation projects. Forty-six percent of consumers plan to buy greeting cards, down from 47.5 percent last year.
“Easter is a traditional holiday that consumers of all ages and on all budget levels celebrate with family and friends,” said industry analyst Pam Goodfellow.“Consumers have longs lists of items they need to get their spring off to a good start.”