People in Vancouver are more likely to compare prices, look for discounts, use coupons and follow sales information than the average Canadian, according to the results of a new Deloitte poll released this morning.
The 2012 Canadian holiday outlook survey found 48% of Vancouverites are increasingly price-sensitive, compared with the national average of 40%.
The poll also indicates that 54% of Vancouver residents plan on doing their holiday shopping south of the border, compared with 50% in 2011 and 65% in 2010, concluding that cross-border shopping levels may have peaked.
“As more U.S. retailers open stores in Canada and with new premium outlet malls being built across the country, the survey findings indicate that Canadian consumers have nominal interest in doing more cross-border shopping,” said Brent Houlden, Deloitte Canada’s Canadian retail practice leader.
The survey also found 1-2% growth in retail sales nationally, which will be shared among U.S. retailers operating in Canada, online sales and cross-border shopping, stating Canadians are “cautiously optimistic” about the economy.
“Retailers are continuing to wait for a full economic recovery as customers remain quite price-sensitive,” said Houlden. “With mounting competition, consumers will have an abundance of options for finding deals that deliver true value and savings.”
The survey of 2,349 Canadians was conducted in September 2012. The poll can be viewed here.
