SmallBusinessNewz

St. Patrick's Day should be a slightly more festive - and profitable - occasion this year than it was in 2009.  The National Retail Federation, working together with BIGresearch, forecast that consumers will spend more money to celebrate the holiday, with young people being particularly likely to get in the spirit.

According to the NRF, the average individual, who spent just $32.80 last year, will spend $33.05 this time around.  Which isn't a huge increase, of course, but is better than nothing (or a decrease).

Then here's the special thing to note about folks between the ages of 18 and 24: they're supposed to spend $40.18, up from $36.05.  That's more like it, right?

As for how/why everyone will be opening their wallets for St. Patrick's Day, it seems that 33.3 percent of people will be cooking special meals at home.  Another 29.6 percent of individuals will head to parties at bars or restaurants, and finally, 18.9 percent of folks plan to attend private parties.

That sounds like a split that could benefit all sorts of businesses.  Good luck selling whatever green or Irish-themed products you can pull together.