The earliest Easter in more than decade will affect sales of apparel and other traditional holiday goods, according to the latest National Retail Federation (NRF) survey.

The NRF 2005 Easter Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch for NRF, found that 75.9% of Americans plan to celebrate Easter, relatively the same amount as last year (75.6%). However, consumers will be spending less on average, which will reduce total Easter spending to $9.6 billion from $10.5 billion a year ago.

NRF believes the calendar may play the biggest role in the spending decline. In 2004, Easter fell on April 11; this year, Easter is on March 27. This is the earliest Easter in more than 15 years (Easter fell on March 26 in 1989).

Those who will celebrate the holiday plan to spend an average of $96.51, down sharply from $107.17 in 2004. Consumers are expected to spend about a third of their Easter budget on food ($30.77) and another $14.39 on candy. Shoppers also will spend about $15 each on clothing ($14.66) and gifts ($14.86).

Consumers between the ages of 35-44 are expected to spend the most on Easter this year ($106.22), with shoppers ages 45-54 coming in a close second ($100.38). Young adults 18-24 years old will spend the least amount on Easter this year ($65.40).

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