Retailers are banking on every holiday in the midst of the current economic downturn. The good news is that Father's Day on June 21 is projected to deliver a nice spike - especially for online retailers. NRF and Shop.org just posted the results of their annual Father's Day survey conducted in early May 2009 by BIGresearch.

Here are some of the highlights:

• 75.4% of US consumers plan to celebrate Father's Day this year with average spending estimated at $90.89.
• While that average is down slightly from last year ($94.54 in 2008), those consumers who shop online are expected to spend over 50% higher at $136.31! Yet another indicator that ecommerce is carrying the way during this recession.

What items are hot for Dad among online shoppers?

• Books and CDs - 40.5% (nearly the double the number as consumers overall)
• Clothing - 38.2%
• Gift certificates - 36.3%
• consumer electronics - 29.1%
• Plus online buyers appear more likely to buy personal care items, sporting goods, tools or appliances, home improvement or gardening tools, and automotive goods than offline-only shoppers.

Personally, I am looking forward to showing off a new pair of socks and buying my Dad a good book for his new Amazon Kindle 2.