SmallBusinessNewz

It might be best not to order truckloads of St. Patrick's Day stuff in the hopes of making millions off the holiday.  A new report from the National Retail Federation indicates that some consumers will be a little more worried about the green in their wallets than whatever accessories are for sale.

Don't give up all hope; plenty of U.S. adults still plan to celebrate the holiday, and their spending should add up to $3.29 billion in all.  Plus, if your business caters to 25-34-year-olds, you're in luck (at least comparatively speaking), since they'll (on average) spend more than any other age group.

But the NRF reports, "According to NRF's St. Patrick's Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, people celebrating the Irish holiday will spend an average of $32.80 on decorations, food and beverage and festive attire, compared to an average of $35.04 in 2008."

And here's another kicker: "18-24 year-old spending is expected to decrease from an average of $42.20 last year to $36.05 this year."  Which is about a 14.6 percent drop.

So it looks like more than a few folks will just watch Intermission and drink a bottle or two of Guinness rather than throw big parties.  Plan accordingly.