Easter Fun Facts:

WASHINGTON – Easter will fall on the earliest day this year since 1913, but that won’t stop Americans from shelling out an estimated $14.4 billion on holiday-related items.  That’s right, billion with a “b.”

By March 23rd, 79 percent of American consumers will spend $135 each on Easter products.  Of that, $41 will be spent on Easter meals, nearly $24 on apparel, about $21 on gifts, $18 on candy, $9 on flowers and $7 on decorations, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation. 

“Easter is typically seen as the official kick-off to spring, when retailers debut new clothes and consumers are in the mood to buy for warmer weather,” said Tracy Mullin, President and CEO of the federation in a statement.  “Although this is one of the earliest Easter holidays on record, retailers are hoping that this year will be no different.”

The industry is hoping that Easter spending may provide a much needed boost to the currently sagging retail economy.  Sales declined 0.6 percent in February due to job cuts, inflation and the current credit crunch. 

“Consumers are a lot more cautious with their discretionary purchases,” said National Retail Federation spokeswoman Kathy Grannis.  Americans have reportedly cut back on electronics and media items since the beginning of the year. 

But “holidays are different in the fact that consumers know they’re coming.  The can plan for it,” said Grannis.  “Fourteen billion dollars is not a drop in the bucket.  Most retailers that sell Easter merchandise will benefit from the rush of consumer shopping.”

The American candy industry may not fare quite as well this holiday.  Since Easter falls 16 days earlier than in 2007, that’s two weeks less shopping time for Americans to pick up their favorite sweet Easter treats.  The National Confectioner’s Association predicts that this shortened holiday season will mean a 6 percent loss in candy sales.

American candy retailers predict an estimated $1.86 billion this coming Easter holiday, down from $1.98 billion in 2007.  Easter accounts for 30 percent of all holiday candy sales, making it the second highest grossing candy holiday right behind…you guessed it, Halloween.

It’s not all bad news for American candy connoisseurs, however.  Just Born, Inc., makers of PEEPS, the best selling non-chocolate Easter candy, have announced a new shape to celebrate spring 2008.  The fluffy marshmallow treats will now be available in yellow tulips, in addition to the popular chick, bunny and egg shapes. 

“This is the first time since the 1950’s that a new shape has been introduced,” said Ellie Deardorff, spokeswoman for Just Born, Inc.   Deardorff reports that Americans eat more than 800 million PEEPS each Easter holiday.  That’s definitely nothing to squawk at.