Spending up on non-traditional Easter items

Many Americans are doing some last-minute Easter shopping.

This year, the average American will spend more than $145 on the holiday. A shopping survey by the National Retail Federation showed spending will go up 11 percent from last year.

The Cedar Rapids JCPenney store manager said he's seeing that trend.

"I tell you what, they're running in for Easter outfits, it's right around the corner here and you've got to get your shopping done soon. But yeah, our sales are up and I'm very happy with what I see so far,” said store manager Barry Donovan.

Other store managers also said they're seeing some changes in spending trends this Easter. People are still buying the traditional items, like spring-colored dresses, but Wal-Mart and Best Buy representatives said consumers are also buying more big-ticket items, like electronics. MP3 players and tablets are also popular Easter gifts.

Another change comes as people decide what to serve their families during the holiday weekend.

Managers at the Hy-Vee store on Johnson Avenue NW in Cedar Rapids said a warmer spring means more people are replacing the traditional meal with burgers or steaks on the grill.

This year, the Easter sweet tooth didn't win over the pocketbooks of many. Candy sales were off to a slow start.

"People aren't used to having this warm of temperatures this time of year, so they're spending more time outside and less eating candy,” said HyVee assistant manager of general merchandise Craig Moline.

"My wife and I, it seems every year there is less candy and more electronics and books and things like that, and it could also be a health trend, and that's not a bad thing at all," said store director Dan Fuller. "Not that we don't want to sell candy, but if they're putting something healthy in there, we're fine with that too."

Retailers expect to see a big rush of shoppers over the next two days as people pick up those last-minute gifts.