Virgin Mobile has swept in as the top buyer of radio advertising in the Toronto market. The mobile service provider purchased 644 ads, making it the most prolific buyer for the week of April 30 to May 8.

It just barely edged out second-place finisher Lowe’s, which purchased 641 ads and moved up from #36 the previous week.

Lowe’s was followed by Nordstrom Rack at #3 (up from #6), Rogers at #4 (down from #2) and Bell’s internet, phone and TV services at #5 (up from #13).

The banks, credit unions, mortgages and financial services category was the highest-buying category on the charts, with 2,393 spots purchased.

In Montreal, CTV stayed on top as the #1 buyer with 317 spots purchased.

Bell’s internet, phone and TV services made an appearance on the Montreal list as well at #2 (up from #26). Holding steady at #3 was the Ford Dealer Association.

The top five in Montreal was rounded out by three new entries, Club Piscine Super Fitness and Pharmaprix.

Also new to Montreal’s top 10 was Rona (#7).

Cable and television was the highest category buyer in Montreal, with a total of 654 spots (with CTV representing 48% of that buy).

Toronto, by brand

Toronto, by category

Montreal, by brand

Montreal, by category