During Easter under the shadow of the epidemic, European and American consumers have different purchasing priorities

According to research firm Numerator, candy remains the most popular Easter gift , with 90% of people planning to buy candy for Easter 2021, down slightly from 93% in previous years.

The consumer confidence survey found that 60% of consumers either stayed home or limited contact with others during Easter this year due to social distancing , while gatherings decreased by 42% . 22% said their holiday plans were not affected by the pandemic.

More than half ( 54%) of consumers plan to shop at grocery stores, while 50% plan to shop at big-box retailers, 33% at dollar stores, 32% at online retailers, 17% at club stores and 14% at drug stores. Other highlights from the survey are as follows.

•Toys remain the second most popular Easter gift, but the number of people planning to buy one in 2021 has dropped by 11% (64% in 2021 vs. 75% in previous years).

• Half of gift givers (51%) plan to buy food as Easter gifts, which is consistent with previous years (51%).

• Spa products are expected to grow 5% (20% in 2021, 15% in previous years), likely due to consumers shifting in-person spa treatments to their own homes.

• Categories that declined were apparel (down 9%) , accessories (down 5%) , flowers (down 4%) and jewelry (down 2%).

The data for Easter among British consumers is different, with research by shopping comparison site Finder showing that Britons plan to spend £810 million on the occasion this year, a 10% year-on-year drop.

The research showed that people planning to buy presents and chocolates at Easter will pay an average of £24.86, down 10% from £27.66 last year.

The research found that the number of people planning to buy something for themselves or others over Easter remained unchanged at around 33 million.

In addition, the number of people who celebrated Easter without spending money increased slightly, to 6.1 million, or 12%.

The research shows that millennials are the most likely to celebrate Easter and spend the most, with around 81% planning to recognise the event in some way, while those who buy gifts and chocolates plan to spend an average of £30.52.

Meanwhile, Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation are least likely to admit to celebrating Easter, with 68% of both age groups celebrating it. Baby Boomers who plan to buy gifts or chocolates will also spend an average of £20.17, the lowest of all age groups.