If you finished your holiday shopping before this week began, good for you.
Most Canadians can’t say the same thing.
According to a study by CIBC, 64 per cent of Canadians polled still had gifts to buy as of the beginning of the week.
Among Ontarians, that number rose to 67 per cent.
A quick survey of shoppers around Waterloo Region on Friday turned up everything from people picking up their last presents to people whose Christmas shopping had barely begun.
“We have to buy everything this weekend,” said Laura Fotheringham, admitting that she expected to battle crowds all weekend long to find the right gifts.
Young Canadians appear to be particularly lax on their shopping, as 71 per cent of those aged 18 to 34 admitted to needing more trips to the store.
George Leblanc doesn’t fit in that demographic – and he finished his buying on Friday – but he had a tip for anyone still looking.
“Look for sales. There are always sales,” he said.
Other findings from the CIBC poll include:
- 19 per cent of Canadians yet to finish their holiday shopping expect to go over budget
- Canadians have spent an average of $678 on Christmas gifts this year (Ontarians only $630)
- 21 per cent of those who have finished shopping didn’t set a budget, compared to 25 per cent of those still looking for the perfect gifts
