Retailers in the heart of Montreal are ending the year on a high note, reporting a significant surge in sales as Christmas approaches. This festive boost is attributed to a combination of traditional last-minute holiday shopping and a modern transit advantage: the new Réseau express métropolitain (REM) light rail network.
A Festive Rush for Downtown Merchants
With the holiday season in full swing, merchants across downtown Montreal have observed a welcome influx of customers in the final days leading up to Christmas. This pattern of last-minute shopping is a familiar seasonal trend, but this year, business owners note an added layer of positive momentum. The increased foot traffic is translating directly into stronger sales, providing a crucial end-of-year lift for many stores.
The timing is critical, as the period just before Christmas often represents a make-or-break moment for annual revenue. Shoppers are bustling through the city's commercial districts, searching for gifts and festive supplies, creating a vibrant and busy atmosphere that retailers eagerly anticipate.
The REM Effect: Improved Access Drives Shoppers Downtown
Beyond the seasonal rush, a key factor cited by Montreal retailers is the impact of the REM. The new light rail system, which has been gradually expanding its network, is making downtown Montreal more accessible than ever for residents from across the greater metropolitan region.
Merchants report that the improved and reliable transit connection is encouraging people who might have previously hesitated due to traffic or parking concerns to visit the city centre. The REM is effectively bringing a wider customer base directly to their doorsteps, facilitating easier trips for shopping excursions. This infrastructural upgrade is seen as a long-term asset that enhances the downtown core's appeal not just during the holidays, but year-round.
Looking Beyond the Holiday Season
The positive reports from December 2025 suggest a recovering and resilient retail sector in Montreal's urban centre. The synergy between a robust holiday shopping tradition and strategic public transit investment is creating a favourable environment for local commerce.
While the last-minute shopping surge is temporary, the benefits of the REM are permanent. Retailers are optimistic that the improved accessibility will continue to support foot traffic and sales well into the new year. This combination of factors highlights how urban planning and seasonal consumer behaviour can work together to stimulate economic activity in the heart of Canada's major cities.
