Apr 8, 2009

Retailers bank on longer selling season for EasterBy TideWaterNews.com

Franklin—Even the Easter Bunny is scaling back because of the economy.

Americans are cutting spending on holiday candy, gifts, food and decorations, according to the National Retail Federation’s 2009 Easter Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey.

Locally, gift shops are still offering plenty of goodies for sale, whether it is decorations, basket stuffers or food.

“With Easter falling later, we’ve had a longer selling season,” said Shannon Bicknell, gift shop manager at The Peanut Patch in Courtland. At lunchtime on Monday, the parking lot was nearly full and patrons ambled around inside looking for deals.

“We sell a lot of peanuts,” Bicknell said. “People stop in on their way out of town and pick up gifts.”

Americans will spend an average of $116.59 on Easter candy, gifts, food and decorations, down from an average of $135.03 last year. Total spending on the holiday is expected to reach $12.73 billion, according to the NRF.

Simply Divine on Armory Drive has been taking plenty of orders for Easter dinner items.

“We make things that they call for that go with hams,” said Liz Britt, owner. “People aren’t buying junk food right now. They’re buying healthier.”

Britt said she anticipates plenty of Easter orders for country hams, homemade yeast and sweet rolls and specialty desserts.

“This is good old cooking,” she said.

Gerri Patnesky, owner of Alphabet Soup, said she has marked her Easter items down 20 percent. Sales haven’t been as brisk as in past years. Patnesky urged everyone to shop locally.

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