Easter spending will hop up a little this year

The Easter Bunny has a little more to hop about this year as Americans plan to open their wallets a bit more than last year. That's the findings of the National Retail Federation's 2010 Easter Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey.

The average person will shell out $118.60, up from $116.59 last year, according to the survey conducted by BIGresearch for NRF. Total spending is expected to reach $13.03 billion.

While spending on most items will remain the same as last year, children can expect more jelly beans, flavored marshmallows and even gifts in their Easter baskets this year.

The average person will spend $17.29 on candy, compared to $16.55 last year, and $18.16 on gifts, up from $17.30 last Easter. Other holiday purchases include clothing ($19.03), food ($37.45), flowers ($7.84), decorations ($6.34) and greeting cards ($6.30).

When it comes to buying Easter merchandise, most Americans will shop at discount (64.8 percent) and department stores (33.2 percent). People also will head to specialty stores such as florists or gift/greeting card stores (22.0 percent), online (13.1 percent), specialty clothing stores (7.0 percent) and catalogs (3.7 percent).

The poll of 8,281 consumers was conducted March 2-10.

Food line

What was formerly Necter Bar & Grille on James Island will once again become a restaurant and bar. Restaurateur John Keener of the Charleston Crab House plans to renovate and reopen the site at 951 Folly Road in late May as Palmetto Ale House.

The 5,100-square-foot restaurant will serve American cuisine seven days a week and include a full bar with outdoor patio and dining. Prices will range from $7 to $15, he said. Necter closed in February.

Also, after a 14-year absence, Little Caesars pizza is back in Mount Pleasant.

Co-owners Andrea Hewett of Summerville and Mike and Janet Shaub of North Charleston last week opened their sixth franchise restaurant in the local area at 1545 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., in the Kmart shopping center.

Hewett said they had been looking for a site in Mount Pleasant for about two years. Their company is called Lowcountry Pizza Investments.

Finally, Five Guys Burgers and Fries is now open at 1209 N. Main St. in Summerville. This is the fifth Charleston area location for the burger chain. The Summerville store is owned by Sean Moore.

Open on Easter

At Mount Pleasant Towne Centre: American Eagle, Banana Republic, Barnes & Noble, Caché, Gap, J. Jill, Loft, Old Navy, Palmetto Grande Theatre, Ulta and White House|Black Market. Store hours generally are 1-5 p.m.

At Northwoods Mall and Citadel Mall: Sears from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The theater will be open at Citadel Mall.

At Tanger Outlet Center: Ann Taylor Factory Store, Converse, Cosmetics Company, Designer Fragrances & Cosmetic Co. , Dress Barn, Kenneth Cole, Kitchen Collection, Le Gourmet Chef, LOFT Outlet, Maidenform Outlet Stores, Nike Factory Store, Old Navy, Rue 21 and Subway. Store hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Walmart and Kmart are open every day except Christmas.

Clarification

Local Staples stores are providing up to 30 pages of free tax copies through April 15. The help desk for useful tax information can be found at www.staples.com, not in the store, as previously reported.

In the know? Do you know of a business that is opening, closing or expanding? Reach Warren Wise at 937-5524 or wwise@postandcourier.com.