WASHINGTON - The National Retail Federation (NRF) announced last week that retailers would generate $14.6 billion in Easter-related sales this year.

The NRF??s 2011 Easter Consumer Intentions and Actions survey revealed the average consumer would spend $131.04 on everything from candy to clothes, up significantly from last year??s $118.60 but still trailing pre-recession levels. Additionally, 14.8% of shoppers said they would purchase goods online, up from 13.1% in 2010 and up from 11.4% in 2009.

Food and candy will generate the lion??s share of consumer spending, tallying $2.1 billion in sales, with the average person spending $18.55 on candy, compared to $17.29 last year.

Other average shopper spends per category break down as follows: $21.51 on new apparel, up from $19.03 last year; $9.02 on flowers; $8.00 on decorations; $6.79 on greeting cards; and $19.89 on gifts.