The post-holiday power play: 5 shopper insights for boosting your ‘Q5’ sales   As the holiday lights come down, it’s tempting for marketers to power off their campaigns and shift focus to the new year. But the data shows this is a costly mistake. The period from December 26 to mid-January, often called “Q5,” isn’t a cool down. It’s a distinct shopping season, when shoppers are more decisive, engaged, and ready to spend than at almost any other time of the year. If you’re winding down, you may be leaving money on the table. Here are five holiday shopper insights that prove why you need to stay engaged during the post-holiday rush — and how you can respond to demand. 1. Purchase intent is at its peak During Q5, shoppers are in “buy mode” and browsing with a high intent to convert. In fact, shoppers are most likely to buy after the holidays: 87% of their shopping occasions end in a purchase. 1 And post-holiday shoppers are even more likely to make a purchase than those shopping in the peak holiday window. 2 How to respond Run always-on campaigns to capture intent across the extended season, so your brand is present with offers to meet shoppers wherever they are in their most decisive moments. Ensure discoverability on Search, Discover, and AI Overviews by keeping Merchant Center feeds and structured data accurate. Source: Google-commissioned Ipsos Holiday Shopping Study, AU, BR, CA, FR, DE, MX, U.K., U.S., online survey, consumers 18+ who conducted holiday shopping activities in the past two days, n=21,463 holiday purchases, Oct. 10, 2024–Jan. 8, 2025. 2. Q5 shoppers are spending more on bigger carts When shoppers buy during Q5, they aren’t just picking up one small item. They are actively spending more and filling their carts. Consider this: Shoppers report their holiday spending peaks after December 25. 3 And after December 25, shoppers buy more items across more categories than at any other time during the holidays. 4 How to respond Make your marketing direct with strong calls to action, specific product ads, clear pricing, and a frictionless checkout process to capture demand and increase the average order value. Use new loyalty features to reward and reconnect with your most valuable customers by offering members-only pricing and services. 3. The path to purchase is highly engaged and more complex During Q5, shoppers are using more resources and taking more actions than at any other point in the season. 5 This marks the seasonal peak for omnichannel behavior, and the complexity is staggering. Half of consumers are navigating between at least 10 different online and offline touchpoints in any given 48-hour window. 6 How to respond Multichannel presence is critical, so ensure your brand is visible and consistent across platforms. Connect your online and in-store experiences with features like local inventory ads and “buy online, pick up in store” to serve these sophisticated shoppers. 4. Q5 shoppers are self-gifting and gift-giving While the post-holiday Q5 period may be famous for “treat yourself” shopping, gifting to others doesn’t stop. Even after the holidays, buying for others is the top reason to shop; 74% of post-holiday shopping occasions are for someone else. 7 Meanwhile, self-gifting continues as 60% of shoppers say they’ll browse online for things they’re interested in buying during the post-holiday period. 8 How to respond Create campaigns for shoppers using new gift cards or holiday money to “treat themselves.” Your messaging can cater to multiple intents. Run ads in parallel that focus on “belated gifts” or “finding the perfect something” for those still buying for others. 5. Google and YouTube usage spikes When it’s time to make a final decision, shoppers turn to trusted sources to research, review, and validate their choices. This is where Search and YouTube play a crucial role. Search is the no. 1 way shoppers confirm facts like quality and durability, good reviews and ratings, and brand reputation. 9 And, according to a 2024 Traackr survey in the U.S., YouTube was ranked as the no. 1 choice for product reviews and product information by all consumers, including millennials and Gen Zs. 10 When it’s time to make a purchase, shopping on Google and YouTube is strong all season but surges to a peak after December 25, when 84% of holiday shoppers are using Google or YouTube to shop. 11 How to respond Sync your Merchant Center product feed to eligible YouTube campaigns, and feature your in-stock products to maximize promotional impact. Tap into the content that your customers are already watching by extending your creator partnerships into Q5 or leveraging the cultural moments of the season like sports . Source: Google-commissioned Ipsos Holiday Shopping Study, AU, BR, CA, FR, DE, MX, U.K., U.S., online survey, consumers 18+ who conducted holiday shopping activities in the past two days, n=37,15 holiday purchases, Oct. 10, 2024–Jan. 8, 2025. The post-holiday rush isn’t an afterthought; it’s a distinct, high-value season when shoppers are actively looking to buy. By understanding these behaviors, you can tailor your holiday strategy to meet them where they are, capture their high intent, and start 2026 with strong sales performance.

Applications are now open for the Starter Company Plus Grant – Trade Accelerator Stream and more Applications are now open for the Starter Company Plus Grant – Trade Accelerator Stream   The City of Toronto’s Trade Accelerator Program (TAP), helps small- and medium-sized businesses expand into international markets with confidence. Participants gain expert-led training, personalized mentorship and a tailored export plan to fast-track global growth. Toronto businesses that complete the program also receive a $5,000 microgrant to support their export journey. With over 85 per cent of graduates entering new markets within a year, TAP Toronto is your gateway to international success.  Learn more and apply now .   Report business barriers with the Red Tape Hotline  The City of Toronto has extended the deadline for businesses to submit to the Red Tape Hotline. Businesses can share feedback on regulatory challenges such as permitting delays, outdated by-laws or cumbersome municipal processes. This pilot project supports efforts to modernize regulations and streamline services under Toronto’s Economic Action Plan. Submissions are now open until Saturday, January 31.  Find details.   Learn how you can participate in the Team Toronto Trade Mission to Hannover Messe 2026  Toronto businesses interested in global growth are invited to join our online information session on Thursday, January 15, from 9 to 10 a.m., where you can learn how to participate in the Team Toronto Trade Mission to Hannover Messe, the world’s leading platform for industrial transformation, taking place April 20 to 24. Discover how exhibiting at Hannover Messe can help you gain international visibility, connect with global industry leaders and unlock new market opportunities. This session is brought to you in partnership with the Canadian German Chamber of Industry and Commerce.  Learn more and register.    Webinars and Events First Steps in Exporting: From Starting Out to Getting a Buyer  Wednesday, December 10, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Register (Free)  The Money Side of Business: Tools & Techniques for Managing Your Financials  Thursday, December 11, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free)  Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada: What Entrepreneurs Must Know  Friday, December 12, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free) Service Canada: Canada Pensions and Dental Care Plan Wednesday, December 17, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Register (Free)  Maximizing Your Business: How to Manage Your Cash  Thursday, January 8, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free)  T1 General Small Business Tax Literacy  Friday, January 9, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)  Insurance for Small Business  Wednesday, January 14, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)  Your Numbers...Your Story  Thursday, January 15, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free)  WSIB: Laws & Regulations for Small Businesses  Friday, January 16, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free)  T2 Corporation Tax Literacy  Wednesday, January 21, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. –  Register  (Free)  Getting Money: What Lenders & Investors Want  Thursday, January 22, from 10 to 11 a.m. –  Register  (Free) How to Start a Food Business: A General Overview  Wednesday, January 28, from 10 to 11 a.m. –  Register  (Free) Accounting for Non-Profits: Understanding Financial Statements  Thursday, January 29, from 10 to 11 a.m. –  Register  (Free)  Introduction to the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 for Businesses  Friday, January 30, from 10 to 11 a.m. – Register (Free)

Please join us for our Virtual Board Meetings on the second Wednesday (unless specified) of every month at 11am. Wednesday, January 14 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82402900476 Wednesday, February 11 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82402900476   Wednesday, March 11 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82402900476   Wednesday, April 8 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82402900476   Wednesday, May 13th https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82402900476   Wednesday, June 10 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82402900476   Wednesday, July 8 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82402900476   Wednesday, August 12   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82402900476   Wednesday, September 9   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82402900476 Wednesday, October 14 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82402900476    November Annual General Meeting: Tuesday November 12th 7pm Wednesday, December 9   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82402900476   November Annual General Meeting If you are having technical issues, Please call Zariah at 905-460-5775. Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system. Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYpd-uhrjsuHdIHyiium2Ra3OMHY9PFXbKw/ics?icsToken=DLj8dkd9ynJwk3YoRAAALAAAABLok6zjNb2Gq-HdThtVPB_n7HJfc6SuE_yC0HYj-odQWcJ2jfej8iVYFicxE3UG_hfCnux24tD-k6unUTAwMDAwMQ&meetingMasterEventId=lOzn5fZVSvOCNz5oGVVbcg

Hillcrest Village BIA is a business hub for retailers located in the heart of Midtown Toronto running along St. Clair Avenue West. Come shop till you drop! Retail ABR Rug Gallery Website Address Phone Number Visit Website 732 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6C 1B3, Canada 647-347-9012 Acapella Mens Clothing Website Address Phone Number Visit Website 752 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6C 1B5, Canada 416-653-8285 Eco Go Website Address Phone Number Visit Website 812 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6C 1B6 416-652-9151 Edition X Cannabis Website Address Phone Number Visit Website 764 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6C 1B5, Canada Please visit our website Hawkridge Custom Framing Website Address Phone Number Visit Website 826 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6C 1C1, Canada 416-656-6666 On High Inc. Website Address Phone Number Visit Website 806 St Clair Ave W a, Toronto, ON M6C 1B6, Canada (647) 780-0039 Papilio Boutique Website Address Phone Number Visit Website 784 St Clair Ave W 647- 748-1908 Planet Jewellery Website Address Phone Number Visit Website 775 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6C 1B7, Canada 416-651-5824

Come and join us at Hillcrest Village BIA located in the heart of Midtown Toronto, running along St. Clair Avenue West between Christie Street and Winona Drive. Hillcrest Village Accommodations Think Local. Shop Local. Where to find us Hillcrest Village BIA is located in the heart of midtown Toronto running along St. Clair Avenue West between Christie St. to the East and Winona Dr. to the West. We have three Green P Parking spots located at: 785—791 St. Clair Ave West 287 Rushton Road 700 St. Clair Ave West Come Visit Us Our vibrant neighbourhood is home to a wide variety of retail shops, professional services, specialty restaurants and cozy ethnic eateries, all reflecting the diverse ethnicity of St.Clair West. Our Businesses > Save BiG! Discover exclusive deals and limited-time offers from your favourite local spots! Offers & Promotions > Stronger Together: Shop Local, Support Canadian Businesses 🍁 Now more than ever, supporting local businesses is about more than just shopping—it’s about strengthening our community. With ongoing trade challenges impacting Canadian businesses, every dollar spent at a neighbourhood shop makes a meaningful difference. By choosing to shop local, you’re helping small businesses thrive, preserving local jobs, and investing in the future of Hillcrest Village. Whether you’re picking up fresh produce, grabbing a coffee, or shopping for unique finds, your support keeps our community vibrant and resilient. Let’s stand together and show that Hillcrest Village has everything we need, right here at home. 🍁 What's Happening In Hillcrest Village BIA Ongoing Course AI for Small Business / Online: Link in Description Learn More Ongoing Course Google is offering a FREE course: AI for SMBs, designed to help entrepreneurs like you understand the basics of AI and discover how Google tools can make your business more efficient, improve customer experience, and spark growth. Share Follow Us On Social Media

Hillcrest Village Toronto is represented by MPP Jill Andrew, The Honourable Carolyn Bennett and City Councillor for Toronto St. Josh Matlow. Community Services St. Matthew's United Church Website Visit Website Address 729 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6C 1B2, Canada Phone Number 416-653-5711