Americans are expected to spend $6.9 billion on food for Fourth of July cookouts and picnics tomorrow, according to the annual survey from the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insight & Analytics. That’s down from last year’s record $7.1 billion as fewer people say they will turn out for the Wednesday holiday but is still the second-highest amount in the history of the survey and per-person spending is up. “With the holiday falling in the middle of the week, a few less Americans will be free to celebrate and that affects spending totals,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “But those who are celebrating by attending or hosting a cookout or picnic, are actually spending more, and retailers will be ready with red-white-and-blue decorations, apparel, and food.”
216 million (87%) |Americans who plan to observe Independence Day
153 million (62%) |Planning a cookout or picnic
$75.35 |Average purchases of food items per person
106 million | Take part in a community celebration or fireworks
30 million | Attend a parade
31 million | Travel out of town
62% | (Percentage of Americans who already… ) own an American flag
51% | (…) own patriotic apparel like a T-shirt or hat
38% | (…) own patriotic decorations
27% | (…) plan to purchase additional patriotic merchandise
44% | Percentage of consumer ages 18-24 who plan on purchasing patriotic merchandise
Parade photo | Getty
Fireworks photo | SmallBusiness.com