National Retail Federation Expects Decline In U.S. St. Patrick's Day Spending

The National Retail Federation forecasts that Americans will spend, on average, $35.37 per person, down from $36.52 last year. According to the St. Patrick's Day Spending Survey, 56.5% will purchase food and beverages, 28% will buy apparel or accessories and 23.3% will purchase decorations. More than a third of respondents (36.2%) plan to do their shopping at a grocery store, 30.4% will shop at discount stores and 20.8% will make their purchases at bars and restaurants. The biggest spenders will be between the ages of 25 and 34, with an average spend of $42.58. The NRF and Prosper Insight and Analytics surveyed 7,108 consumers between Feb. 2 and Feb. 9.