The arrival of vaccines and the relaxation of stricter health measures have prompted Quebecers to spend more in 2021 than in 2020, according to the latest data from Moneris published Thursday.
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Spending trends were influenced by pandemic-related restrictions. So, although we see an increase, the numbers remain stable when compared to a pre-pandemic year like 2019.
In 2021, health and well-being were the main concerns of Quebecers. Transactions in health services, such as doctors, optometrists, chiropractors and dentists, saw a 22% increase in the first quarter. In addition, outdoor activities continued to boom as bicycle shops (+77%), swimming pool dealers (+432%) and public golf courses (+32%) saw their sales increase. business exploded in the first quarter.
Pet stores (+20%) and veterinary clinics (+45%) also saw their transactions increase, as the pet frenzy continues to hit the province.
Local activities
The year 2021 was marked by interest in local activities, the reopenings of which were eagerly awaited by Quebecers in April. Retail businesses (+27%), restaurants (+35%) and gyms (+67%) then posted positive transaction volumes.
“Due to the travel restrictions still in place [en avril, mai et juin], spending has been skewed toward retailers that offer hobbies and recreation amid the pandemic.” Clothing stores (+58%), bookstores (+87%), arts and crafts stores (+49%) and health and beauty spas (+432%) were particularly popular during the second quarter .
Although marked by the opening of borders, the third quarter shows a significant increase in local activities such as amusement parks (+160%), bowling alleys (+78%), tourist attractions (+87%) as well as sports clubs and leisure camps (+28%). “Quebecers continued to get out of their homes and catch up on lost time with their friends and family,” the report explains.
Eager to travel, many Quebecers were very excited when travel was allowed again. There was therefore, in the third quarter, a meteoric rise in the sale of plane tickets (+512%) and hotel reservations rose by 45% compared to the year 2021.
Early Holiday Shopping
Cyber Monday (+7%) and Black Friday (+6%) saw a less significant increase, as “shoppers had been encouraged to make their holiday purchases earlier, in order to compensate for shortages and potential delays caused by COVID impacts, expenses have increased before [ces évènements]”.
Spending on entertainment, however, continued to soar during the fourth quarter (+38%), while cinemas (+642%), music shows (+196%) and restaurants (+52%) experienced increases in traffic for the holidays.
Much like in Quebec, consumer spending in Canada has evolved throughout the pandemic, following seasonal trends influenced by various restrictions throughout the year.