Nine in 10 Canadians say supporting local Canadian businesses is important to them
TORONTO, Feb. 20, 2025 /CNW/ - Support for shopping local is surging. A new survey from Interac Corp. (Interac) reveals that nearly eight in 10 Canadians (79 per cent) agree that supporting local businesses feels more important than it did at this time last year. More than two thirds of Canadians polled (68 per cent) believe the way they choose to spend their own money has a direct impact on their local community. Over half (53 per cent) are prepared to spend an extra $5 to buy a product locally, and a third (33 per cent) would pay $10 more.
"Amid the current climate of economic uncertainty and evolving tariff threats, Canadians are looking at their spending in a new light," says Debbie Gamble, Group Head, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer, Interac. "Our survey results confirm that Canadians are very intentionally exercising their spending power – choosing to support local businesses even if they may need to spend more to do so. This trend has emerged despite longstanding cost-of-living pressures and demonstrates a powerful commitment to local communities."
The shift reflects a broader 'Buy Canadian' movement in response to the current economic climate, with nearly three in four Canadians (73 per cent) seeing more value in spending their dollars on local or Canadian-made goods. The top motivations for choosing Canadian-made products include supporting the local economy (79 per cent), trust in Canadian quality standards (56 per cent), and patriotism/Canadian pride (55 per cent).
Clarity on product origin remains an obstacle
Despite strong consumer intent to buy Canadian and shop locally, many struggle to determine which products are made in Canada. While seven in 10 (71 per cent) Canadians polled actively look for products that are clearly Canadian-made, four in 10 (40 per cent) find it difficult to verify where products are made before purchasing, highlighting the need for clearer labelling and transparency at the point of sale.
To encourage Canadians to shop local and support small businesses, Interac has supported the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) to enhance the visibility of independent retailers and their locally sourced products. This is one initiative that has provided small businesses with tools and resources to showcase Canadian-made goods more effectively, helping consumers make informed choices that keep spending in their communities.
Dan Kelly, President of CFIB, underscores the critical role of consumer spending in supporting local businesses: "The 'Buy Canadian' energy and initiatives popping up across the country have been fantastic. The best way to support Canadian businesses is to support locally-owned small businesses in your community and looking for Canadian-made products wherever possible," Kelly said. "Sixty-six cents of every dollar spent locally, stays locally. It benefits the business, their employees and the whole community."
Additional Interac survey findings include:
- Eight in 10 Canadians (80 per cent) are likely to choose Canadian-made products over imported ones.
- When asked which businesses deserve support, most Canadians (82 per cent) prioritize micro and small businesses in their communities, while just under a quarter (24 per cent) identified large international corporations.
- Three quarters of Canadians (76 per cent) believe local businesses are more important to their communities than online-only retailers.
About the Interac survey
This survey was conducted by Hill & Knowlton, a Burson Group company, from February 6 to 9, 2025, among a representative sample of 1,500 Canadians using Léger's online panel. Data was weighted by age, gender, and region. The associated margin of error for a probability sample of this size is ±3 per cent, 19 times out of 20.
About Interac Corp.
Interac empowers Canadians to transact digitally with confidence by providing payment and value exchange services. In helping to develop the future of money movement in Canada, security is at the core of everything we do. We help keep Canadian customers safe and secure when transacting. With nearly 300 financial institutions connected to our network, Canadians choose Interac products over 20 million times a day on average to exchange money. Interac champions workplace culture, community, and corporate citizenship. We are proud to be one of Canada's leading and most trusted financial brands.
As Canadians navigate uncertain times, Interac remains dedicated to helping strengthen Canada's local economies. For over 40 years, we have invested in trusted digital solutions that empower local businesses to adapt, innovate, and grow. Through partnerships with organizations including CFIB, Interac will continue to help small and midsize businesses (SMBs) succeed from coast to coast to coast.
SOURCE Interac Corp.
For further information: Media contact: Interac Corp., 416-869-2017, [email protected]
Share this article