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Holiday shopping in Vernon. (file photo/Vernon Matters Staff)
Inflation and interest rates

Holiday spending remained strong despite challenges

Jan 11, 2023 | 6:00 AM

The final numbers for the holiday shopping season are still being finalized, but it appears the doom and gloom over inflation and interest rate hikes didn’t put a damper on gift giving.

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce indicates different buy local campaigns had an impact on the holiday success for many retailers.

“The Christmas season appears to have been extremely positive, with many consumers out preparing for the season and spending even amidst concerns about inflation,” Dan Proulx, general manager of the chamber stated.

“Certainly, issues with the supply chain and labour shortage presented some challenges for businesses, but for the most part, shops and restaurants were busy as residents demonstrated their support for all things local,” Proulx added.

The RBC Consumer Spending Tracker (Holiday Edition) published on Dec. 15, stated consumer demand was likely to hold up through the holidays.

“Black Friday marked a strong start to the holiday shopping season in Canada as sales surged higher. Spending on electronics is running below prior holiday shopping periods, but spending on apparel, gifts, books, music, and entertainment is strong,” RBC Economist Carrie Freestone said.

“So far, holiday jewelry spending is six per cent below 2021 levels, but previous trends suggest a boost in purchases from last minute shoppers may yet arrive.”

The financial services firm, JP Morgan, said 2022 sales on Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the U.S. were up 11 per cent and nine per cent from 2021, respectively.

RBC is cautioning retailers to hold on tight into 2023.

“Spending is expected to soften in 2023 as interest rate hikes and inflation cut further into household purchasing power,” Freestone said.

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