Canadians Adjust Spending amid Financial Pressures but Stay Loyal to Brands they Love
A recent consumer economic pulse from the Angus Reid Group reveals growing pessimism about family finances. While more Canadians struggle to comfortably cover household expenses, fewer are turning to brand-switching as a primary cost-saving strategy.
As of January 2025, 45% of Canadians reported switching brands in at least one category to save money, down from 53% in December 2024.This decline suggests that consumers may be adopting alternative cost-cutting measures, such as reducing fast-food and drive-through purchases or waiting for their preferred brands to go on sale.
The report also highlights a shift in grocery shopping behavior with 91% of Canadians adjusting their grocery habits in the past monthto save money, marking a five-percentage-point increase since October 2024. The primary driver of this trend is a growing focus on seeking special deals before making purchases.
These findings underscore how Canadian consumers are adapting to financial pressures, prioritizing strategic spending over simple brand-switching in response to rising costs.
