Calgary

Albertans in holiday spending mood

Most Albertans say they won't cut back on holiday spending this year despite the gloomy economic climate, according to a new survey.

Bank survey finds shoppers not spooked by hard economic times

Most Albertans say they won’t cut back on holiday spending this year despite the gloomy economic climate, according to a new survey.

The survey for TD Canada Trust found 70 per cent of Albertans plan to spend an average of $1,250 dollars on food, gifts and entertainment.

But about a quarter of the respondents said they hope to squeeze in all of their holiday shopping for less than $500.

The survey suggests Albertans have the tightest Christmas gift budgets compared to shoppers in other provinces. On average respondents in Alberta said they plan to spend $76 per person compared to the national average of $80.

Almost three quarters of Albertans polled said deals and discounts affect their shopping decisions. And more woman than men admitted that they are bargain hunters:  25 per cent versus 10 per cent, the poll found.

TD Canada Trust commissioned Environics Research Group to conduct the national telephone survey of  1,000 Canadian adults, with 125 respondents in Alberta.

The results were collected between Oct. 25 and 31, the bank said.