From postal strike to affordability worries, Sask. shoppers navigate challenges this holiday season

With Christmas just around the corner, Saskatchewan shoppers may be feeling the pressure of holiday preparations, including some that are unique to this year.

The month-long Canada Post strike and ongoing affordability concerns have added challenges to what is already a typically hectic time of year.

Canada Post operations resumed Tuesday, after the Canada Industrial Relations Board ordered a return to work, but the strike has left a significant backlog of a "couple million" parcels that could delay holiday deliveries.

For some shoppers, the key to managing this year's holiday season has been planning ahead.

Chelsea Petterson said early preparations helped alleviate some stress, though not without a few hiccups.

"We planned ahead, but we're still a little over budget. Some online orders got stuck, so we've had to adjust," said Petterson, who was doing some shopping at Regina's Southland Mall on Monday.

"Luckily, the kids' birthdays are right after Christmas, so we'll use some of those gifts for later."

Affordability top concern: pollster

Adding to the holiday stress is the rising cost of living, a concern echoed by many Canadians.

A recent survey by the polling company Leger suggests a tepid response to affordability measures like the federal government's temporary GST break.

Only 29 per cent of Manitoba and Saskatchewan respondents said the tax break would have any effect on their holiday spending, according to the poll, which was conducted Dec. 6-8 and surveyed 1,520 people online, randomly recruited using Leger's online panel.

Nationally, the number was even lower — 22 per cent, according to Leger's poll.

"Affordability is the top concern, particularly in the Prairie provinces," said Andrew Enns, Leger's executive vice-president for central Canada. "Rising grocery prices, fuel costs, and daycare expenses are driving a lot of that anxiety."

He said while the GST holiday seems to be appreciated, many consumers are skeptical about its real impact.

But tight budgets are inspiring creativity this holiday season for some shoppers.

University student Josie Lloyd, who was also at Southland Mall Monday, says she's turning to DIY gifts to keep costs down.

"I'm on a budget because of university, so I'm making DIY gifts with supplies from the dollar store," Lloyd said. "It's a little time-consuming, but it's fun to craft something personal."

Global supply chain disruptions and inflation are shaping holiday shopping habits across Canada.

The director of consumer insights and strategy for Salesforce — a U.S.-based company that offers applications focused on areas like sales, e-commerce and analytics — says these factors are pushing shoppers to plan earlier and adjust their expectations.

There's been only marginal growth this year in Canadian holiday spending, said Caila Schwartz, "with shoppers starting earlier to mitigate risks."

"We're seeing stable discounts year-over-year, but supply chain challenges are still influencing consumer behaviour."

Schwartz said many shoppers this holiday season have become "price-conscious consumers," focusing more on "needs-based" purchases than "wants-based" ones.

That approach is evident in shoppers like Guma Lodongi, who was focusing on meaningful and practical gifts for family, like sweaters and outfits, as she shopped in Regina this week.

"I'm here just to buy presents for my family," Lodongi said.

While some shoppers are opting for creativity or practicality, others, like Donna Swedberg, wrapped up their holiday shopping weeks ago.

"I was almost done at the beginning of December," Swedberg said. "Gift cards, toys and games."

Despite the challenges of inflation, postal delays and fluctuating prices, Schwartz says the numbers suggest people will still be out shopping during the holidays.

"Canadian shoppers have become increasingly more mobile, and they're not only doing research on their phones, but they are buying on their phones in greater and greater numbers," Schwartz said.

And whether it's crafting DIY gifts, supporting local businesses, or planning ahead, Saskatchewan shoppers like Lodongi says it's always been about the holiday spirit.

"Christmas is about love and generosity, and that's what matters."