As the holiday season of 2025 draws near, Quebec consumers are adjusting their budgets, planning to spend an average of $620 on gifts, which is almost 20% lower than the previous year. This insight comes from a recent survey conducted by Leger for the Retail Council of Canada (RCC).
Compared to the national average of $975, Quebec’s planned holiday spending is notably below par. Among the 2505 Canadians surveyed from August 5 to 25, it was revealed that Alberta leads in holiday spending, allocating an average budget of $1193.
The survey highlights a significant shift in Quebecers’ shopping priorities this year, with a strong emphasis on supporting local and sustainable businesses. Over eight out of ten Quebecers express the importance of backing Quebec or Canadian-owned retailers. Buying locally continues to be a key characteristic of Quebec’s retail landscape. Additionally, a remarkable 10% of Quebec consumers intend to factor in environmental impact when selecting gifts, a higher percentage compared to the national average of 3%.
Promoting budget-friendly shopping habits is a key aspect for Quebec shoppers, with 73% planning to utilize flyers and deal platforms to plan their purchases, significantly surpassing the national average of 55%. Moreover, 87% of Quebecers plan to wait for promotions before making their holiday purchases.
The survey also sheds light on Quebecers’ preference for practicality and shared experiences over extravagance. They plan to allocate more of their budget towards home entertainment (18%) and toys/games (14%), while slightly reducing spending on apparel (13%) and gift cards (14%).
Michel Rochette, the president of Retail Council of Canada – Quebec, notes that Quebecers, despite financial pressures, are the most inclined in Canada to maintain or increase their holiday budgets. Their approach to the season involves diligent bargain-hunting, a strong affinity for local and Canadian brands, and a heightened focus on sustainability — reflecting a blend of discipline, pride, and purpose.
The survey also predicts that Black Friday and Cyber Week will drive over 30% of total gift spending for Canadians, making them potentially the most significant spending days of the season.
Keyphrase: Quebec holiday spending trends
