Canadians prioritizing buying locally this holiday season: survey

With many businesses struggling, Canadians are prioritizing supporting local this holiday season.

A recent survey from the Retail Council of Canada’s (RCC) found that 90 per cent of Canadians intend to shop locally this holiday season, while 83 per cent would prefer to purchase items that are also made in Canada.

However, fewer respondents intend to shop in stores this year—58 per cent intend to do so, compared to 72 per cent last year.

Additionally, 28 per cent said the ability to purchase items online and pick-up in-store or curbside is more important this year than in the past.

Further, the average holiday budget for Canadians has shrunk by 12.5 per cent according to the findings—$693 this year compared to $792 last year.

The two main reasons for the decrease in spending are fewer get-togethers—57 per cent—and having less money to spend—55 per cent.

The findings also found the main items Canadians intend to buy this year are food, alcohol, candy or sweets—which projects to account for 19 per cent of overall spending.

Regionally, Ontarians are more likely to shop online this year compared to residents from other parts of the country—46 per cent of Ontarians’ budgets will be spent online compared to 42 per cent nationally.

“More than ever, Canadians understand the critical role retail plays in helping keep our communities strong,” Diane J. Brisebois, president and CEO of the Retail Council of Canada, said in a news release.

“Retailers are doing everything they can to ensure Canadians have the products they want and are offering great promotions so consumers can confidently and safely begin their holiday shopping earlier this year.  Canadians, in turn, are increasingly appreciating the role they can play in helping to support retailers and businesses in Canada during this pandemic,” she continued.