The RCQ is an association representing the vast majority of retail and distribution businesses in Quebec, making it a key industry stakeholder. For all sector-related issues, the RCQ adopts a “solution-driven” approach, actively contributing to government discussions, strategies, and decision-making.
Montreal, February 28, 2025 — The latest Barometer from the Retail Council of Quebec (RCQ), powered by ORAMA Marketing, highlights the impact of the current political climate on Quebec consumers.
Quebecers’ confidence in the economy has seen a dramatic decline, unmatched since the onset of the pandemic in 2020. According to the latest data, nearly eight out of ten Quebecers (79 %) express growing concerns, a 5 % increase in just three months.
Already, 51 % of Quebecers rate their financial situation as mediocre. Adding to this challenging economic context, 20 % of households fear a worsening of their financial situation within the next three months, a 6 % increase.
Current trade tensions are amplifying economic worries. More than half of Quebecers (55 %) expect the provincial economic situation to worsen over the next year, a significant 19 % increase. Additionally, 47 % of respondents anticipate a recession in 2025, up 9% from last October.
In this context, the majority of consumers (74 %) expect a significant increase in consumer prices over the next 12 months, a steep 21 % rise.
Online shopping continues to gain popularity. Over the past month, it has increased slightly across all product categories except for food and pharmacy items, which remained stable.
Amazon dominated the online retail landscape in Quebec over the past six months, with 81 % of consumers making purchases on the platform. Among them, 42 % shop there at least once a month, and 12 % purchase products weekly.
Chinese platforms are also gaining ground, with Temu (21%), Shein (16%), and Alibaba (7 %) among consumer choices. The main factors driving these purchases are low prices (80%) and the variety of products offered (57 %).
However, online purchase intentions for the next three months show a notable 7 % decline.
Despite the appeal of international platforms, Quebecers are increasingly prioritizing local commerce. Compared to January 2024, there has been a significant rise in interest in Quebec-made products across all categories, including consumer goods (+ 8%), fashion goods (+ 8%), and durable goods (+ 11%).
Consumers cite various reasons for this enthusiasm, such as supporting the local economy (+ 8%) and feeling a sense of pride when buying locally (+6%).
Additionally, a third of Quebecers (34 %) can now easily identify the Quebec origin of a non-food product, an 11 % increase in one year.
These trends reveal a rapidly evolving economic landscape, marked by uncertainties but also by a growing desire to support the local economy. The RCQ will continue to closely monitor these developments and support Quebec retailers through this transformative period.
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The RCQ is an association representing the vast majority of retail and distribution businesses in Quebec, making it a key stakeholder in the industry. For all sector-related issues, the RCQ adopts a “solution-oriented” approach, contributing to government discussions, strategies, and decision-making.
ORAMA Marketing Inc. provides survey solutions, market research, and strategic consulting services. With extensive expertise in consumer behavior, customer characteristics, and market trends, we conduct the CQCD-ORAMA Barometer six times a year. This business intelligence tool helps Quebec retailers gain greater clarity on these key topics.
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Source : Retail council of Quebec
Contact information :
Geneviève Duval
Director of Communications and Media Relations
514-665-6688