U.S. Easter Spending Forecast to Hit Record $24.9 Billion in 2026

Strong consumer demand for seasonal purchases drives record Easter retail sales forecast, boosting outlook for holiday shopping and candy, food, and gift categories.

The United States of America Easter spending forecast 2026 indicates that the amount of money spent by customers this year is expected to be a record high of 24.9 billion dollars, as opposed to 24 billion dollars spent by customers last year. This is an indication that the high level of demand for holiday purchases is high, showing that the customers are preparing for the celebrations.

The United States of America Easter spending forecast 2026 involved 7,845 adults across the United States of America between the 2nd and 11th of March this year. The results from the United States of America Easter spending forecast 2026 show that 80% of customers are planning to celebrate the upcoming Easter holiday. The amount of money spent by each customer is expected to be 195.59 dollars on average. The categories associated with the Easter consumer shopping trends 2026 include candy, food, gifts, decorations, and clothing, with candy being the leading category at 92%, followed by food at 90%, gifts at 64%, decorations at 53%, and clothing at 51%. The amount of money spent on food alone is expected to be 7.5 billion dollars.

“Although the economy remains at the forefront of the minds of many, the focus of the consumer this year is on the celebration of the Easter holiday,” said Mark Mathews, Chief Economist and Executive Director of Research for the NRF. “The Easter holiday represents an opportunity for families to come together and create memories despite the changing economy.” Easter retail activity has continued to rise over the past few years, and the 2026 prediction is up $8.5 billion from 2015. Prices of food items in Easter baskets have risen significantly, contributing to higher spending. Foot traffic and interest in these products, especially smaller toys, are also increasing. The Silicon Review views the strong performance in major Easter retail categories as a clear indicator that holiday-related consumer spending will remain robust, offering retailers enhanced opportunities for promotions and strategic planning once post-holiday data is released.