71Signal
Score
S
Strategy Online — CAOctober 8, 2026

AI’s on the rise but IRL is still key to holiday shopping: PwC survey

A recent survey by PwC Canada reveals that despite the increasing use of AI in shopping, many Canadians still value in-person experiences during the holiday season. The findings indicate a balance between digital advancements and traditional shopping methods, highlighting consumer preferences for both AI tools and real-life interactions. Brand strategists can take note of the importance of integrating AI solutions while maintaining a strong physical presence to enhance customer experiences.

◎ EmergingstrategydigitalPwc

Strategy Online — CA: New polling data from PwC Canada suggests that while more Canadians are planning to use AI at some point in …

Intelligence PanelSignal score: 70.5 / 100
Primary Signal
Emerging
Building momentum — trajectory being tracked
Brand Impact
Medium
Impact score: 70/100 — moderate relevance to positioning decisions
Novelty
Moderate
Novelty: 60/100 — iterative development of an existing theme
Action Priority
Soon
Flag for the next strategic review cycle
Scoring Rationale

The article presents significant insights from a reputable survey that highlight the ongoing importance of in-person shopping experiences alongside AI advancements, making it relevant for brand strategists looking to balance digital and physical interactions.

70
Impact
weight 35%
60
Novelty
weight 30%
80
Relevance
weight 35%
Brands Mentioned
PPwc
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