Visa report shows most Canadian holiday shoppers bought in person

Snow and ice did not stop shoppers from getting in their holiday shopping. A new report from Visa tells us the majority of gifts were purchased in person.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) and local retailers in Hamilton are hopeful this will start 2026 off right.

According to a new report from Visa analyzing Canada’s holiday retail activity, close to 90 per cent of purchases were made in person in a physical store.

The CFIB cites the consumer’s lack of faith in the reliability of online purchases being delivered on time as one of many factors.

“We know that when people shop local, 66 cents of every dollar spent local stays local, that’s compared to only nine cents when you’re shopping at an online giant,” said Ryan Mallough, vice-president of communications and legislative affairs at the CFIB.

On Locke Street in Hamilton, you get the extra benefit of getting some exercise in the rain when you do some in-store shopping.

WATCH MORE: Local shoppers scramble to find last minute holiday gifts

At Textures Craftworks, the staff there say people shop in person anyway because of the need to touch, feel and experience the crafts they have to offer.

Forty-five local artists have their goods available to purchase at Textures Craftworks. They have been in business since 1983 in Hamilton and since 2000 on Locke Street.

Lauchlin Harrison is one of those artists. He says the key to surviving the pandemic, and even local construction over the past few years, is the loyalty of their customers. The “shop Canadian” and “buy local” campaigns have helped too.

“That’s been the key for a number of years – is that our customers are loyal. The shop is great at Christmastime,” said Harrison.

“People still want to see the quality and knowing that it’s made locally,” said Elaine McNeice, co-owner of The Local Life.

Over at The Local Life on Locke Street, the sentiment is the same. Seeing the products in person and knowing how they hold up is valuable to the consumer – including knowing products were made in Hamilton.

“Everybody wants to support Canada this year and in the past couple years because of everything that has gone on,” said McNeice.

“The whole community benefits when people are out and about shopping local and shopping in person. Really looking forward to seeing the start of the year start off strong,” said Mallough.

WATCH MORE: Deal-seekers turn out for Boxing Day shopping across Hamilton and Dundas