Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated every March 17 to celebrate Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The day is a public holiday in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, and the British Overseas Territory of Montserrat. It is enthusiastically celebrated in many areas with large Irish populations, such as New York, Boston and Chicago in the US.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY SPENDING IN 2018 EXPECTED TO HIT A RECORD HIGH OF $5.9 BILLION

This year, more than 149 million Americans plan to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, according to an annual survey by the NRF and Prosper Insights & Analytics, and revelers expect to spend a total of $5.9 billion on holiday-related goods and activities. St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, so many consumers who usually work during the week may be able to splurge and enjoy extra fun with friends and family on the holiday in 2018. This year’s St. Patrick’s Day spending estimate is the highest figure in the survey’s 14-year history, and is up from last year’s $5.3 billion, which was also a record.The survey, conducted February 2–13, polled 7,657 consumers ages 18 and above on their St. Patrick’s Day plans.

Source: NRF/Prosper Insights & Analytics

HOW WILL CONSUMERS CELEBRATE?

According to the NRF/Prosper survey, the majority of those polled who plan to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day will wear green on the holiday. Other top ways to celebrate include making a special dinner, going to a party at a bar or restaurant, decorating one’s home or office, attending or hosting a party, and attending a St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Source: NRF/Prosper Insights & Analytics

WHAT WILL CONSUMERS BUY?

Half of those surveyed said that they plan to purchase special food for St. Patrick’s Day. Other top spending categories include beverages, apparel or accessories, decorations and candy.

Source: NRF/Prosper Insights & Analytics

WHERE WILL CONSUMERS SHOP?

According to the survey, this year’s celebrants plan to make purchases primarily at grocery stores, with 38% of those polled planning to shop at such stores. Some 31% of respondents said that they plan to shop at discount stores and 20% said that they will look for holiday items at department stores. The survey found that women are more likely to shop for St. Patrick’s Day items at grocery stores than men are, with 37% of women planning to purchase from a grocery store compared with 26% of men. Meanwhile, men are more likely to shop at specialty stores, with 23% of men planning to shop at such stores, compared with 16% of women.

Source: NRF/Prosper Insights & Analytics

WHO WILL SPEND THE MOST?

The NRF/Prosper survey found that respondents ages 35–44 are the biggest St. Patrick’s Day spenders: consumers in this age group plan to spend an average of $45.76 per person, up from last year’s record of $37.92. St. Patrick’s Day is most popular among 18–24-year-olds, though, with 77% of survey respondents in this age group planning to celebrate the holiday. On average, consumers are expected to spend $39.65 per person on items related to St. Patrick’s Day this year, up from $37.92 last year.