Canadians are splurging more this holiday season, with a surge in physical store shopping as the festive rush nears its peak. New data from Visa Canada reveals that 88% of holiday payment volume has been in physical stores, compared to just 12% online, indicating a shift back to traditional shopping methods.
This trend is evident at the Carlingwood Shopping Centre, where shoppers like Ben Siebarth and Deonne Power were spotted making last-minute purchases. Siebarth, a self-proclaimed last-minute shopper, echoed the sentiment of many, emphasizing the stress of last-minute gift buying.
Deonne Power, another last-minute shopper, embraces the challenge, making multiple stops on Tuesday and planning more for Christmas Eve. She prefers to leave gift buying to the last minute, taking advantage of any last-minute deals.
The data also highlights a 4.4% increase in spending compared to last year, which retail analyst Bruce Winder attributes to inflation and peer pressure. Despite economic challenges, Canadians are still eager to indulge in holiday shopping, influenced by marketing and social media.
To accommodate the holiday rush, shopping malls like Bayshore have extended their hours, while CF Rideau Centre and St. Laurent Shopping Centre maintain regular hours until 9 p.m. However, all three major shopping malls in Ottawa will close at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve, prompting last-minute shoppers to act quickly.
With the holiday season in full swing, Canadians are embracing the joy of shopping, whether in-store or online, as they seek the perfect gifts for their loved ones.
