The St. Patty’s Day parade was held in Belmar yesterday, ringing in the yearly celebration with bagpipes, marchers and over 40 bands.  Americans plan to spend a record $5.9 billion to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, up from $5.3 billion in 2017, according to the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.
Of those who plan to celebrate, 50 percent will purchase food, 41 percent beverages, and 16 percent candy, with 38 percent of them shopping at grocery stores and 19 percent visiting bars or restaurants.
Consumers are expected to spend an average of $39.65 per person, up from $37.92 in 2017. The holiday is most popular among individuals 18-24 years old, with 77 percent celebrating, but those 35-44 will be the biggest spenders at an average of $45.76.
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