Canada

In the wake of Covid-19 there was a notable shift away from cash transactions, while in 2023 (as in 2022) the retail value of personal cash transactions is rising rapidly. However, the surge has been fuelled by the inflation surges of 2022 and 2023.…

Canada's labour force shortage has placed mounting pressure on smaller businesses. Traditional checkouts are giving way to efficiency as s retailers scramble to optimise checkout speeds, and there is a growing trend of merchants leaning into…

In the latter half of 2022, Canada opened its doors, discarding travel restrictions and welcoming a surge of new students and workers from overseas. Canada's financial institutions greeted these newcomers with a generous $2,000 credit card limit, and…

Canada's credit landscape in 2023 is showing rises in lending, with more Canadians gaining access to lending products via traditional financial institutions and private lenders. At the same time, as the cost of living bears down on Canadians, thanks…

In 2023 the Bank of Canada has tweaked its prime interest rate several times. The impact on the housing market has been a rise in household mortgage debt. Consumers with variable rate mortgages or on the cusp of renewals have been struck especially…

Growth continues to slow for charge cards in Canada in 2023, with the category’s relevance fading rapidly. One reason is lack of availability, with American Express morphing many of its charge cards into the realm of traditional credit cards. For the…

In 2023, Canada faces the challenge of record-high food inflation, with the nation experiencing the highest food inflation rates in years, as evidenced by soaring food prices despite a general decline in overall inflation. This price surge…

Despite reaching record high price levels, the rice, pasta, and noodles category has experienced a modest dip in value sales. Consumers are becoming increasingly mindful of their dietary choices and are reducing their carbohydrate intake, opting for…

The relentless surge in food prices, driven by hyperinflation in 2022 and 2023, is reshaping the shopping habits of many Canadians. A considerable number of consumers are tightening their belts across various product categories, including meat. The…

Processed fruits and vegetables are experiencing an increase in value growth, primarily driven by rising prices. The years 2022 and 2023 witnessed some of the sharpest price hikes for fruits and vegetables. This inflationary trend has also impacted…

Breakfast cereals continues to witness a contraction in its growth. A negative perception surrounding breakfast cereals, largely due to concerns about their sugar content, is leading consumers to seek out healthier breakfast alternatives. This shift…

Retail volume sales of baked goods are contracting in growth as prices continue to soar to record levels. Rising prices are compelling consumers to down trade or turn to discount retailers for their grocery needs, including baked goods. Stores like…

Womenswear continues to experience both value and volume growth in 2023, building on significant gains from the previous year. The first half of 2023 witnessed robust sales as both consumers and the economy recovered from the pandemic's impact.…

Sportswear registers healthy growth in 2023, building on significant gains from the previous year. Growth moderates as consumer demand transitions back to standard drivers after the pandemic years, where athleisure and sportswear were favoured for…

Menswear witnesses moderate value growth in 2023, following exceptional gains recorded in the previous year. The first half of 2023 saw robust sales as both consumers and the economy continued to rebound from the pandemic's impact. Canada's later…

Jeans witness robust value gains in 2023, building on significant growth in the previous year. However, volume sales experience a subdued performance as consumers prioritise essentials and value due to high inflation rates, particularly impacting…

Sheer hosiery experiences a solid increase in 2023, rebounding from a slight dip in 2022. The growth gains momentum as employees transition back to the workplace under hybrid or back-to-the-workplace models. Unlike 2022, where remote work policies…

Footwear experienced robust growth in 2023, building on strong performances in 2022 and 2021, with all categories delivering value growth. Despite flat volume growth due to consumer pressures from high inflation rates for everyday necessities, such…

Childrenswear experiences solid value growth in 2023, continuing its recovery from the previous year. However, volume growth diminishes due to inflationary pressures, prompting consumers to focus on essentials. Back-to-school shopping in 2023, a…

In 2023, apparel and footwear sustained its growth trajectory, building on the momentum generated in the robust year of 2022. The first half of 2023 witnessed accelerated expansion as consumers actively engaged in refreshing and upgrading their…