Shoppers are Ready to Spend for St. Pat’s

According to NRF’s St. Patrick’s Day Spending survey conducted by Proper Insights and Analytics, nearly 127 million Americans are planning on celebrating the traditional Irish holiday on March 17 and will spend an average of $36.52 to do so. This is up from $35.78 last year, with total spending to reach $4.6 billion.

“Consumers are ready to shed their winter blues and welcome spring’s arrival with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations,” say Matthew Shay, president and chief executive officer, NRF. “Falling at the perfect time of year–just as temperatures begin to rise–retailers are hoping St. Patrick’s Day will also draw the attention of those looking for traditional spring merchandise as consumers take the opportunity to stock up for warm months ahead with home improvement, garden and apparel purchases.”

The survey found that shoppers will spend their St. Patrick’s in restaurants or bars (29.2 percent or 37 million Americans), another 19 percent will attend a private party and 30 percent will cook a special dinner; while eight in 10 (82.4 percent or 104 million) plan to dress in green attire and 22.8 percent of Americans will decorate their homes.

Of those celebrating, adults ages 25-34 will spend the most (average $41.69), with adults ages 18-24 as the second largest spending group with an average of $38.55.