Canadians to shop discount, in-stores for 2025 holiday season: survey
New data from the Retail Council of Canada (RCC) and Leger reveals that Canadians are planning to head into the holiday shopping season with “steady budgets, sharper planning, and the strongest Black Friday participation in years.”
84% of Canadians call Black Friday their most important shopping day, outpacing Boxing Day (55%).
“Black Friday is now the moment Canadians plan around — but their shopping stretches well beyond the day itself,” says Kim Furlong, president & CEO, Retail Council of Canada. “Consumers are determined to celebrate, but they want thoughtful gifts, transparent pricing, and genuine value.”
The “2025 Holiday Shopping Survey” surveyed more than 2,500 shoppers nationwide. The survey shows that Canadians predicted spending budgets heading into the season sit at $975.
Of those surveyed, more than half of Canadians noted they plan to begin researching one to three weeks in advance. Eighty-five percent said they will wait for sales before beginning to shop, 80% compare prices online and 78% will purchase discounted or promotional items.
READ: Canadians aren’t just shopping differently—they’re surviving differently
The survey found that shoppers are returning in-store for ideas and to purchase gifts. Eighty-six percent of Canadians plan to shop close to home and 84% will look for Canadian-made goods.
Price remains the priority for shoppers. The survey notes that 57% of Canadians surveyed said holiday shopping feels more stressful—the highest level in four years. Forty-four percent will consider gifting secondhand to help with affordability.
Regionally, Alberta residents will spend an average of $1,193, the highest in Canada and a 23% increase from 2024. B.C. will follow suite with a stable average spend of $1,129. Ontario is expected to see an average spend of $1,095, a 5% decrease from 2024.The Prairies will see a 9% increase in spending for an average of $890. The Maritimes and Quebec both expected to come in below the national average, with spends of $912 and $620 respectively and a decrease of 1% and 20%.
