Got peeps? How about chocolate bunnies, or Cadbury eggs?

Easter, a Christian holiday that marks new life and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is an end to the long winter. And Easter celebrations - both religious and nonreligious - come with increased spending on candy and other goodies.

In my house some of that money went towards finding just the right peeps for the Ann Arbor Library’s Peeps Contest. Peach colored peeps were my daughters top pick for complimenting farm fresh brown egg shells.

angela smith | contributor

According to National Retail Federation's 2010 Easter Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, the average person will spend $17.29 on candy, compared to $16.55 last year.

Jim Kimble co-owner of Ann Arbor’s Gji’s Sweet Shoppe, says he has noticed an increase in traffic in the past few weeks.

Gji’s packages Easter Baskets that are ready to go, with 5 or 6 varieties to choose from. Kimble says they also sell many other Easter favorites, but beating out jelly beans and bunnies, this year’s most popular pick seems to be the chocolate eggs.

But candy isn’t the only thing shoppers are buying.

"With signs of spring popping up everywhere, shoppers are eager to get their hands on bright, colorful Easter merchandise," said NRF President and CEO Tracy Mullin. "Warmer weather and special holiday promotions are the perfect mix to get people out of their homes and into stores as spring approaches."

Consumers are spending about $118.60 each on their Easter purchases adding up to just over $13 billion. Where is all that money going? Gifts, food, new clothing, flowers, decorations, and cards are all part of that count.

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

A quick look at last week’s sale circulars confirm that Easter is big business:

Payless Shoes has a sale that runs through Sunday. Ballet flats and embellished sandals are two highlighted items. Drug stores like Rite Aid and CVS are brimming with Easter merchandise and basket stuffers at sale prices. Local grocers like Busch’s and Hiller's are running sales on the most popular Easter brunch foods.

If fresh and local are your priority, check out the Ann Arbor or Ypsilanti Farmer’s Market on Saturday from 8am-3pm. Get there early, the expected beautiful weather is sure to make for a good sale.

"After spending the last few months indoors and out of the snow, many Americans are looking forward to celebrating a great day with family and friends," said Phil Rist, executive vice president with BIGresearch, which conducted the study for the NRF.

Lead Shopping Blogger Angie Smith will hunt for deals and dish on the latest in retail and business news in Ann Arbor. Readers will attain notices of great deals and store happenings in and around the city. To report a news item or tip contact her at angieannarbor@gmail.com.