The annual holiday shopping frenzy descended upon Metro Vancouver, but this year's crowds were driven by a clear and determined search for value and memorable experiences, according to mall managers and retail experts.
The Hunt for Deals Draws Early Crowds
The desire for discounts led to significant early traffic at major retail centres. At the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet near Vancouver International Airport, general manager Robert Thurlow noted packed parking lots and traffic congestion even in late November. Thurlow attributed the mall's popularity to a combination of "dedicated deal hunters and social shoppers coming for a day out," with the airport location providing an additional boost from travelers.
"Value is increasingly important to shoppers," Thurlow emphasized, highlighting a key consumer mindset for the 2025 season. This focus on getting more for their money defined the shopping journey for many across the region.
Malls Counter Online Shopping with Festive Attractions
To compete with the convenience of e-commerce, physical shopping centres doubled down on creating compelling reasons to visit. Instagram-worthy light installations, holiday photo opportunities, and special markets became essential tools to draw people through the doors.
At Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby, the festive season launched on November 1, with Santa's arrival on November 12. "Once Santa arrives, festivities begin, and that approach is our usual schedule," explained Amanda Chung, the mall's marketing manager. This year, the centre introduced its first Holiday Hive Market, featuring local vendors for gifts and food, as an added attraction.
"Shoppers are spending a little less time shopping at shopping centres due to e-commerce, which is why it’s so important we continue to offer our shoppers value and thanks with unique, on-site experiences," Chung stated.
Shifting Habits: Research Online, Buy In-Store
Despite the growth of online retail, Chung observed that many consumers still prefer to finalize their holiday purchases in person. Shoppers often research products online but value the certainty of walking out of a store with a gift in hand, avoiding potential delivery delays or lost packages.
Another notable trend was a clear move away from extended late-night shopping hours. "Midnight madness where shopping centres open until 11 p.m. or midnight is no longer a trend," Chung confirmed. A review of hours at other major malls like Willowbrook in Langley, Richmond Centre, and Guildford Town Centre in Surrey showed standard closing times of 9 p.m., with earlier hours planned for Christmas Eve.
The 2025 holiday shopping season in Metro Vancouver ultimately showcased a savvy consumer, one motivated by discounts but also seeking the festive atmosphere and guaranteed convenience that physical retail spaces can uniquely provide.
