Fourth of July falling on a Monday means more vacations, spending

A new retail survey finds more Americans will celebrate the Fourth of July weekend this year, and many will have more options.

More options because with Independence Day on a Monday, it's a three-day weekend. Ana Serafin Smith of the National Retail Federation says "the dollar amount that we learned is a little over $71 and is almost the same as last year."

She says a variety of factors are part of the retail activity for Americans this time around for the Fourth.

"One of the things that we are noticing this year is that the weather, overall, across the nation has been pretty good, a little bit warmer than anticipated, so people are wanting to go out, wanting to be with family and friends and celebrate in general."

Smith says it is a trend that they noticed throughout the last couple of holidays, like Father's Day, graduations and Mother's Day. More people are going out and doing fun activities with family. So, she says, it is no surprise that that is happening again right now for the Fourth.

The NRF also notes that more people are traveling this year compared to the last couple of years. They see a correlation with the fact that gas prices continue to be consistently low.

Smith says with the Monday holiday, some towns and cities are actually doing fireworks displays on that Saturday or Sunday, and that will leave Monday free for family visits or day trips.

"It makes it for people to actually celebrate longer."

The NRF estimates 214 million Americans will mark Independence Day this year and will spend a total of $6.8 billion, a 1.4 percent increase from last year.

Joe Cutter is the afternoon news anchor on New Jersey 101.5