According to a nationwide survey commissioned by the Toronto-based International Council of Shopping Centers, 33% of all Canadians describe themselves as ‘need-based shoppers’ who will take a shopping list with them and stay focused on it this holiday season.
Another 30% of survey respondents said they are price-conscious and will watch for advertised sales and shop at stores known for low prices. Only 14% of Canadians describe themselves as impulse shoppers who are influenced by what they see while they’re shopping.
Regardless of the self-descriptions, Canadian consumers expect to fork out a total of $1,413 each on holiday purchases in 2007. This includes gifts ($511), gift cards ($124), decorations ($81), holiday travel ($309), entertaining ($193) and other holiday-related purchases ($195). Albertans are expected to cough up the most this year – outspending other Canadians by about $350 each.
