D. Tighe
Research expert covering consumer behavior, sporting goods retail, and the global toy industry.
Get in touch with us nowConsumers in Canada and the United States
Canada and the United States are two neighboring countries with close ties that also have a lot in common in terms of consumption. This can be seen in the types of stores they frequent, for instance. According to a survey conducted in both countries in 2022, just over 60 percent of Canadian shoppers had bought something in apparel and/or shoe stores in the last 12 months, a figure that was remarkably similar among U.S. respondents. Both groups recorded comparable percentages for various kinds of stores, e.g., department stores and bookstores. At approximately 75 percent, digital buyer penetration rates in Canada and the United States were also very much alike.How is inflation impacting Canadians?
Due to numerous disruptive events occurring around the same time, the world was struck by a significant increase in prices as of early 2022. In Canada’s case, the monthly inflation rate grew consistently since June of 2021 and reached an estimated eight percent by June of 2022. Unsurprisingly, the level of concern regarding the issue of inflation has increased among Canadian consumers as a result; from about 30 percent in January to more than 50 percent in August and September. Due to these concerns, many of the country’s shoppers have altered their spending behavior, for instance, by purchasing cheaper alternatives to branded items, or by delaying purchases in general.
