A new survey from Deloitte Canada shows Canadians plan to spend a bit more this holiday season, with average budgets expected to reach about $1,521. CTV
Canadians plan to open their wallets a bit wider this holiday season, but they’re also watching where every dollar goes. According to Deloitte Canada’s 2025 holiday retail outlook, spending is expected to rise by three per cent compared to last year, with money spent on gifts and experiences up by two per cent.
“This year, Canadians are telling us that, actually, they will be spending,” said Shaunna Conway, national retail leader at Deloitte Canada. “Some of that is part of inflation, and some of that is because Canadians are feeling resilient and resourceful as they head into the holiday season.”
However, the report notes that non-gift purchases—things like decorations, clothing, or personal treats—will drop by eight per cent, as shoppers prioritize gifts and experiences over extras.
Canadians Start Shopping Earlier
Canadians plan to spend an average of $1,521 this holiday season on gifts, experiences, entertaining, and non-gift purchases. But many will be shopping sooner to spread out their expenses.
“They’re looking to bring that spend forward and start spending in October,” Conway said. “We’ll see a lot of early activity around Black Friday and Cyber Monday, with shoppers hunting for deals and discounts.”
According to the survey, 23 per cent of Canadians plan to shop during Black Friday or Cyber Monday, while 20 per cent will do most of their shopping in November.
Local Loyalty and Smart Choices
The survey also found that 73 per cent of shoppers prefer to support local or Canadian businesses, but major retailers like Amazon and other national chains remain top choices for many.
A growing trend this year involves loyalty programs and exclusive promotions. “Canadians are spending where there’s added value,” Conway said. “It’s a big opportunity for retailers to get promotions out early and show customers where the best deals are.”
This focus on value and savings reflects a more cautious but confident consumer mood heading into the holidays.
AI Joins the Shopping List
Technology is playing a bigger role this season. Many shoppers plan to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to find gift ideas and manage shopping lists.
Deloitte’s survey shows that 63 per cent of Canadians understand how AI works, and half have used it in the past three months. Among younger consumers, 33 per cent of Gen Z shoppers say they’ll use AI to discover new gift ideas, while 21 per cent of all Canadians plan to use it to organize their shopping.
“AI helps create a personalized experience,” Conway explained. “It allows shoppers to explore products, compare prices, and find inspiration—all in one place.”
One in four Canadians believes retailers should also use AI for customer service, reflecting growing comfort with technology in everyday shopping.
Still, not everyone is convinced. Some shoppers appreciate tools like ChatGPT for convenience, while others remain wary of privacy concerns.
