The majority of Canadians who celebrate Easter are doing their spending one to two weeks in advance of the holiday, according to the latest insights from Numerator.
The research firm recently polled 2,056 Canadian consumers about their 2023 holiday plans, including Easter, in which 93% of celebrants will make a related food or gift purchase. It also finds that 53% will purchase one to two weeks ahead, with 15% one to two days in advance. The vast majority of purchases (88%) are being done in-store.
By comparison, Easter is far less of a last minute purchase than occasions like Valentine’s Day, in which 24% of respondents purchase one to two days in advance, or Canada Day, when that figure climbs to 37%.
Among the 80% of Canadian consumers who plan to celebrate Easter, 61% will be gathering with family and friends to celebrate. That makes it the third-most popular occasion for family gatherings, behind Thanksgiving (62%) and Christmas (82%).
Most Easter shoppers expect to spend between $50 and $75 on their holiday celebrations this year. Half of those who celebrated last year plan to spend the same amount this year, but more than a third say they will spend less.
Top purchase items include food (63%) and candy (43%). In terms of gift giving, 49% of those who give buy toys and games, 33% give gift cards, 30% give food or beverages, 26% give flowers or plants and 21% give books.
Over half of consumers expect inflation or a potential economic slowdown to impact their 2023 Easter celebrations and shopping. To save money, nearly two-thirds of shoppers say they’ll buy items on sale, and a third will shop at discount or dollar store channels.
Gen X and Boomers are more likely to celebrate Easter overall, while Gen Z and millennials are more likely to travel for the holiday.
