Consumer spending on Easter is expected to reach a record total of $24.9 billion this year, according to a National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics annual survey. The amount surpasses the previous record of $24 billion set in 2023. On a per-person basis, shoppers are budgeting a record high of $195.59, up from the previous record of $192.01 in 2023.Among those celebrating Easter, 56 percent of respondents said they will be cooking a holiday meal, 52 percent said they will be visiting friends and family, and 43 percent said they will be attending church. Thirty-six percent said they would be planning an Easter egg hunt.As in past years, discount stores remain the top shopping destination, with 55 percent of respondents reporting they will be doing their shopping at this type of retailer, followed by 42 percent who will be shopping at a department store and 34 percent who will be shopping online. For consumers not planning to celebrate the holiday this year, more than half still plan to take advantage of Easter-related sales across categories such as candy, food and clothing.