Canada’s malls will host more Christmas shoppers this holiday season than in 2024, according to newly released JLL survey results.

Canadians plan to flock to shopping centres, with 90% saying they will visit at least once.

JLL’s latest Canada Retail Holiday Survey findings show that shoppers expect to spend 8% more this Christmas, an average of $1,646. The increase will be driven entirely by higher spending on experiences and everyday holiday essentials, according to the commercial real estate advisory firm.

Experiences now make up 39% of holiday budgets, rising 17% from 2024, while spending on non-gift goods has increased by 19%.

“Holiday errands are turning into holiday outings with shopping centres being the focal point,” said Paul Ferreira, senior vice-president of retail for JLL Canada. “With experience budgets rising and gift spending tightening, shoppers are engaging with centres more intentionally, combining shopping, dining and entertainment in each visit.”

More than half of survey respondents (56%) said they plan to treat themselves by purchasing clothes or shoes, up 7% from a year ago. Meanwhile, gift-giving to others has declined by 3%.

Nearly two-thirds of Canadians plan to shop in a shopping centre, and many are pairing retail visits with outings: 87% expect to dine out over the holidays, 60% plan to go to the movies, and 45% are planning travel that includes hotel stays. Black Friday remains the dominant spending event, with 78% saying they will shop and 31% identifying it as their biggest spending day.

JLL conducted the online survey of 1,000 Canadians from across the country on September 30.

Photo: Courtesy of JLL