The eight days of Easter 2008 are expected to be worth £8 billion to UK retailers, up 3% on last year.
Latest analysis of spending before and during Easter week has found some £4.4 billion will have been spent (Mon – Thurs) up to Easter, with a further £3.6bn over the Easter weekend (Good Friday – Easter Monday inclusive).

Data from Nielsen research indicates that consumers are likely to spend £4.2bn on food and drink over the eight days. This would be over £500m more than in an average, comparable eight-day period.

Diy and gardening sales might not be as strong as last Easter when April's sun boosted trade, Neilsen said, but they are still expected to reach almost £3bn.

The analysts added that Easter greetings cards, toys and decorations are becoming more popular.