In 1985, retailers saw their best Christmas in years
Shoppers seemed to be more willing to spend and also to buy more expensive items
Finally, things were looking up for retailers.
In December 1985, stores were full of people searching for Christmas gifts. And they were spending more than they had since the start of the decade.
"For retail stores, this could be the best Christmas in about five years — sales will be up about five per cent," the CBC's Alison Smith told viewers a week ahead of Christmas in 1985.
A prior recession had made Canadians reticent to spend for some time, but things seemed to be turning a corner, as parents picked up Transformers toys and shopped for other in-demand items to put under the tree that year.
'They're buying more gifts'
"It's not just that people are buying more toys on their children's Christmas list, they started shopping earlier," Smith explained in her report from CBC's The National.
"They're buying more gifts and more expensive gifts, such as computers, electronic equipment, microwave ovens and clothes."
Alasdair McKichan of the Retail Council of Canada said the uptick in spending suggested that consumer confidence was improving.
"I means, I think, that the consumer is getting over the shock of the recessionary years," he said.
'Next year will be even better'
Smith said it was a trend that was apparent in various parts of the country, including in British Columbia, Alberta and also in Ontario.
"Retailers say the brighter mood of Christmas shoppers is a reflection of a general improvement in the economy," said Smith.
"They say if the unemployment rate and interest rates remain stable, next year will be even better."
