The holiday shopping rush is in full swing, and Canadians are feeling the festive spirit! But here's where it gets interesting: despite the convenience of online shopping, the majority of holiday shoppers are opting for the traditional mall experience.
According to Visa Canada's recent data, a whopping 88% of holiday payment volume has been in physical stores, with only 12% of purchases made online. This trend was evident at Carlingwood Shopping Centre, where last-minute shoppers like Ben Siebarth and Deonne Power were seen grabbing gifts on the go.
"I'm a classic last-minute shopper, always rushing around on the day before," Siebarth shared. Power, on the other hand, makes a game out of it, visiting multiple stores and planning to finish up on Christmas Eve. "I like to wait and see what deals pop up," she explained to CTV News.
And it's not just the shopping experience that's drawing people in; Canadians are also spending more this holiday season. Visa Canada's data reveals a 4.4% increase in spending compared to last year. Retail analyst Bruce Winder attributes this to a combination of factors, including inflation and the influence of marketing and social media.
"Even if people want to spend the same amount, the same item is more expensive this year due to inflation. Plus, there's a lot of peer pressure and social media influence," Winder explained.
To accommodate the holiday rush, Bayshore Shopping Centre has extended its hours until 10 p.m. on Tuesday, while CF Rideau Centre and St. Laurent Shopping Centre will remain open until 9 p.m. All three major malls in Ottawa will close at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
So, are you team online shopping or team mall experience? And what do you think about the increase in holiday spending? Let's discuss in the comments!
