A recent survey by the Retail Council of Canada (RCC) and Leger reveals that Albertans are expected to spend an average of $970 this holiday season.
The RCC X Leger 2024 Holiday Shopping Survey shows Canadians, including those in Alberta, are determined to make the most of the festive season while being mindful of their budgets. With holiday spending across Canada projected to reach an average of $972, Albertans are closely aligned with the national average.
However, Albertans are embracing strategic shopping tactics to maximize their dollars. A significant 72 per cent of Albertans plan to take advantage of Cyber Week deals, highlighting a growing trend of turning to online shopping for décor and food.
While some Canadians prefer in-store shopping, Alberta shoppers are divided between the convenience of online deals and the tactile in-store experience. This trend reflects a strategic shift as Albertans adjust their shopping habits to cope with rising costs and inflation.
According to the survey, 71 per cent of Canadians, including Albertans, are changing their holiday shopping behaviors due to financial pressures. Many seek out sales, plan ahead, and stick to stricter budgets to manage costs effectively. Cyber Week is particularly popular in Alberta, with shoppers holding off on purchases until peak sale times to snag the best bargains.
The survey also highlights that Albertans, like most Canadians, focus their holiday budgets on essentials such as clothing, holiday home entertainment, food, and alcohol, with each category making up 16 per cent of their spending. Gift cards remain widespread, with 42 per cent of Canadians opting for them as a flexible and convenient gift option.
How Albertans Compare to the Rest of Canada
- Ontario: Shoppers in Ontario are expected to spend the most, an average of $1,158. They are also the biggest online shoppers, allocating 41 per cent of their budgets digitally.
- British Columbia: BC residents are projected to spend an average of $893, with a strong preference for in-store shopping.
- Atlantic Canada: On average, residents here budget $904 and are most loyal to big-box retailers.
- Quebec: Quebecois focus on home entertaining and budget an average of $770, maintaining consistent spending habits.
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM.
DiscoverAirdrie encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoverAirdrie app.