Boxing Day: Malls, retail stores see huge rush

 

 

Canadian shoppers flocked to malls and small businesses to shop for Boxing Day deals as the federal government made the tax holiday more attractive. The federal government had announced a two-month GST/HST exemption on certain items, including children's toys, video games, consoles, snacks, wine and restaurant food. The announcement was followed by a huge rush for Boxing Day shopping. The tax exemption encouraged shoppers to take advantage of Boxing Day sales at local retailers. But some said the lower prices were not enough to keep the cost of living in the country up despite the increased crowds.

Over the Black Friday weekend, GST/HST holiday spending was slightly below 2023 levels. This month’s RBC Economics report also showed that retail spending slowed in November. But despite the decline, Canadians’ retail spending rose in the fourth quarter for the first time since 2022, the report said.