WILMINGTON, N.C. -- Americans are expected to spend a lot of money this year, so much that a national survey predicts more than $18 billion in sales. 

The number ranks second to last year's record-breaking $18.4 billion.

The National Retail Federation says the top planned purchases include:

• 89 percent on candy
• 87 percent on food 
• 61 percent on gifts
• 48 percent on clothing
• 46 percent on cards

The survey also says that more women are likely to shop in discount stores compared to department and small business shops this year.

And it shows that the days of doing Easter shopping in a catalog are slowing dying out, carrying only 2.7 percent of purchase power. 

The survey also mentions where people celebrating the holiday might be doing:

• 60 percent plan to visit family and friends
• 58 percent plan to cook a holiday meal
• 51 percent will attend church