MONTREAL - Quebecers are not enamored with Boxing Day, according to the Retail Council of Quebec.
According to a survey done by the Altus Group for the council, only 12 per cent of Quebecers plan to make a purchase Friday, despite the many discounts offered by merchants.
The survey indicates that Canadians outside Quebec are four times more likely to take advantage of post-Christmas sales.
According to the Chairman Leopold Turgeon, several factors explain this different behavior. He says Quebecers are more likely to think before making purchases, and they feel less need to make major purchases immediately after Christmas.
Turgeon also points out that it was major stores in the United States who brought the concept to Canada, and it then made its way to Quebec. He says that proportionately Quebec has many more independent stores than elsewhere, which results in different marketing strategies.
He nevertheless admits that Boxing Day remains an important day for businesses, especially since this year the sales will likely stay in effect over the weekend.
