Despite inflation, Quebecers prefer to buy local goods, especially essential goods, according to a study published on Friday.
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The Quebec Retail Trade Council (CQCD) shows in its latest barometer that while more than two in five Quebecers prefer to shop locally, they far outnumber them when it comes to essential goods (69%).
Although price is a drag on local commerce (57%), 51% of Quebecers choose durable goods, 44% choose fashion items, and 36% are unwilling to pay more for a local product.
In addition, 64% of consumers surveyed say they have increased or maintained the frequency of purchases of Quebec products, up from 57% last October, a trend that can be explained by a desire to promote local products .
Although the majority of consumers have heard of the “Product of Quebec” or “Made in Quebec” certification mark, 39% of them admit that they are not willing to pay more for these products.
“While we understand that the current economic climate is not always favorable to these consumer choices, we need to be aware that these actions are concretely helping Quebec’s economy,” said Damien Silès, general manager of the CQCD.