Story perspectives

Local Shopping Surges Amid Affordability Challenges This Christmas

12/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

During the 2025 Christmas season, shoppers favor local and Canadian options (73% want to shop Canadian; 56% prefer local), but affordability and online shopping pose challenges.
Ed McHugh, a business professor, notes that consumers are reducing discretionary spending by 8%.
Megan Penney, CEO of the Cape Breton Chamber of Commerce, urges the community to boost sales.
McHugh criticizes the federal decision not to renew the GST holiday, which had previously boosted sales.

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Story summary

During the 2025 Christmas season, shoppers favor local and Canadian options (73% want to shop Canadian; 56% prefer local), but affordability and online shopping pose challenges.
Ed McHugh, a business professor, notes that consumers are reducing discretionary spending by 8%.
Megan Penney, CEO of the Cape Breton Chamber of Commerce, urges the community to boost sales.
McHugh criticizes the federal decision not to renew the GST holiday, which had previously boosted sales.