Easter spending soars in time for spring sales - WFMJ.com News weather sports for Youngstown-Warren Ohio

Easter spending soars in time for spring sales

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BOARDMAN, Ohio - This year, Easter shopping is expected to reach $16 billion in sales nation-wide, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). Most people will be purchasing chocolate.

The shopping is sweet at Philadelphia Candies in Boardman where business has been non-stop.

"It's increasing," said Store Manager Diane Demetrios. "[Thursday] was one of our busier days. And from now until Easter it's going to just keep getting busier and busier."

The NRF found that the average person will be spending more on candy this year, about $20 per person.

"I think a few years ago it might've slowed down a bit," Demetrios said. "But it does seem like it's picking up now. Everybody wants quality chocolate so they keep coming back to us, which we're grateful for."

And everyone has their favorite.

"We got the usual. the nut eggs and the letters for each kid and the foil wrapped eggs and the bunnies," said Poland resident Ed Begala.

Overall Easter spending is up 11 percent this year. According to a survey by NRF, half of the consumers celebrating Easter will be coming out to take advantage of stores' spring sales. Clothing will bring in $3 billion.

Many retailers like Old Navy in Boardman will be ready with deals to match the season.

"We had some weather that was in the 70s and 80s that was absolutely amazing," said Store Manager Tracy Ogden. "Even though it's a little cooler, people are going on vacations, people are on spring break. It's just a great time to shop."

Basket-stuffing items line the checkout and as Easter kicks off spring fashion sales.

"This is a great time to shop, right before Easter," said Ogden. "We have a $5, $10, $15 sale going on. And a you can see behind me we have some great Easter fashions, some great colors."

Deals await consumers looking to fill those Easter baskets.