It's a time of crisis for malls across Saskatchewan as last-minute gift shoppers look to cross items off their lists.
But some buyers, like Saskatoon's Anya Zierhaus, have lists that are intentionally short.
“Everything has gone up like crazy, and I see that the prices are very similar. So yes, there is less shopping,” Zierhaus said.
A new report from market researcher Insightrix suggests Saskatchewan shoppers are spending money mindfully this holiday season, choosing meaningful gifts over expensive ones.
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About two-thirds of respondents say they are spending about the same as last year, while about 29 percent plan to spend less.
According to the report, Gen Z is most likely to save money this year, with 40 percent of respondents saying they plan to cut spending.
The report said the reasons for the cost cuts were due to financial pressure and rising costs.
“It really has to do with what they call inflation and even the personal financial constraints that they're facing this holiday season,” said Lang McGlip, director of research at Inisghtrix.
For the seven percent of shoppers looking to spend more this holiday season, their motivation may be related to improved finances and growing families.
But financial pressures aren't the only reason why Saskatchewan residents who visited malls on Tuesday are cutting back on spending.
“I think the holiday season doesn't have to be about a lot of things, doesn't have to be about money,” said shopper Carol Harrington of Saskatoon.
“It's more about time together and that's what I'm looking forward to.”
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