Rotten Eggs for Retailers This Easter

IBISWorld Investigates The Recession's Impact On Holiday Sales

LOS ANGELES, March 24 /PRNewswire/ -- The Easter Bunny will have less in its
basket this year as holiday expenditure is expected to decline eight percent,
according to industry research firm IBISWorld. Total sales from Easter
clothing, candy, flowers, decorations, food and greeting cards are expected to
fall from $14.8 billion in 2008 to $13.6 in 2009.

Holiday gift giving will take a hit because many households are continuing to
tighten purse strings due to the financial climate. Candy sales in particular
are estimated to reach only $1.77 billion, down by 10.2 percent from Easter
2008. Interestingly, the forecast for candy sales could have been much worse
had it not been for the holiday's calendar date.

"Easter falls on April 12, compared to March 23 of last year, so candy
producers and marketers have 20 additional days to merchandise their products
and entice the public to spend," explained George Van Horn, senior analyst
with IBISWorld. "This will cushion some of the inevitable blow on spending."

Businesses still expected to perform well this Easter are supermarkets. This
industry will experience a 3.5 percent rise in food sales as families prepare
their holiday meals at home, rather than dining out. Though these meals will
be on a budget, the nation will spend about $4.6 billion on food this Easter.

About IBISWorld, Inc.
Recognized as the nation's most trusted independent source of industry and
market research, IBISWorld offers a comprehensive database of unique
information and analysis on every U.S. industry. With an extensive online
portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, the company equips clients with the
insight necessary to make better business decisions. Headquartered in Los
Angeles, IBISWorld serves a range of business, professional service and
government organizations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more
information visit www.ibisworld.com or call 1-800-330-3772.

SOURCE IBISWorld, Inc.

Savannah Haspel, Vice President - Media Relations, IBISWorld, +1-310-866-5044,
cell, +1-310-403-6996, fax, +1-323-297-5444, savannahh@ibisworld.com