RI Report: Retail Economy

Quarterly Retail Insider reports tracking economic conditions affecting Canadian retail, including retail sales, inflation, employment, consumer confidence, interest rates, tariffs, trade, affordability, and household spending. These reports provide economic intelligence for retailers, landlords, suppliers, advisors, investors, and retail industry professionals.

Q3 2026 Consumer Behaviour / Retail Economy: Spending Holds Up as Shoppers Become More Selective

Craig Patterson -
Canadian consumer spending remained resilient during Q3 2026, while household financial pressure produced widening differences in purchasing behaviour. The report examines retail sales, value seeking, credit use and shopping decisions, distinguishing aggregate spending growth from changes in individual household demand.

Q2 2026 Consumer Behavior and Retail Economy: A Market Increasingly Divided

Craig Patterson -
Canadian retail in Q2 2026 was increasingly defined by a widening divide between value and premium, prime and secondary real estate, and resilient and vulnerable consumers.

Q1 2026 Retail Economy Retail Report: Inflation Sticks, Consumers Trade Down

Craig Patterson -
Q1 2026 saw sticky food inflation, oil-driven cost risk, and cautious consumers reshape strategy. Winners lean value; independents, restaurants, and duty-free feel it.
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