Annual survey of the Conseil québécois du commerce de détail (CQCD)/Retail
Council of Quebec - Christmas shopping is on Quebecers' agenda!

MONTREAL , Nov. 12 /CNW Telbec/ - The Conseil québécois du commerce de détail (CQCD)/Retail Council of Quebec has released the results of its annual survey conducted by Altus Géocom on Quebec consumers' spending intentions for the 2009 holiday period.

The survey reveals that 69% (71% in 2008) of Quebecers will spend as much as last year: 62% of respondents (64% in 2008), or will spend even more: 7% of respondents (7% in 2008) on their holiday purchases.

Another encouraging finding: Sixty-three per cent (63%), (60% in 2008) of Quebecers indicated that the current economic situation would have little or no influence on their holiday spending intentions.

Twenty-five per cent (25%) of respondents had already started their holiday shopping at the end of October, while 29% will start in November and 39% in December (20% in early December).

The survey shows that Quebec households expect to spend an average of $637 this year ( $644 in 2008); 58% of that amount will be spent on gifts ( $372 ) and 42% ( $265 ) on receptions, meals and beverages.

Excluding the automotive sector, and taking into account the increase in the number of households, the CQCD estimates that Quebec consumers' holiday spending will total more than $2.15 billion , the same amount as last year.

"Despite the difficult economic situation we are currently going through and the risks associated with the influenza A (H1N1) pandemic, the results of this survey are encouraging and allow us to conclude that consumers will be spending during the Holiday season this year," concluded CQCD president Me Gaston Lafleur .

Quebecers will be generous, giving gifts to an average of more than six (6) persons.

Thirteen per cent (13%) of Quebecers plan to make one or more purchases on Boxing Day.

What will we find under the Christmas tree this year?

Toys, educational games, CDs, DVDs, books, magazines, gift certificates, apparel and fashion accessories will be on the majority of consumers' shopping lists this year.

More than half (58%) of Quebecers will buy most of their gifts in shopping centres; 43% plan to give gift certificates. On the other hand, 10% of Quebecers plan to use Internet for their holiday gift purchases.

This CQCD survey on Quebecers' spending intentions for the 2009 holiday period polled 1003 Quebecers between October 22 and November 3, 2009 . It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.2%, 19 times out of 20.

The Conseil québécois du commerce de détail/Retail Council of Quebec (CQCD) is proud to promote, represent and enhance the image of the retail sector and its members in order to ensure the sound development and prosperity of the sector. The CQCD is an association of retail and distribution enterprises representing more than 70% of retail activity in Quebec . It is an indispensable interlocutor for this important economic sector of Quebec .

For further information: Me Gaston Lafleur, President, Conseil québécois du commerce de détail, [phone], ext. 200, 1-800-364-6766; Céline Ducharme, Communications Manager, Conseil québécois du commerce de détail, [phone], ext. 200, 1-800-364-6766; www.cqcd.org