Quebecers are turning more towards Shein and Temu

Quebecers are turning more towards Shein and Temu

The low-cost online retail platforms Shein and Temu are gaining popularity among Quebec consumers. According to the CQCD Barometer, a growing number of respondents say they have made purchases on these platforms since the beginning of the year.

The survey, conducted from July 31st to August 9th, 2026, for the Quebec Retail Council, reveals that 24% of respondents made a purchase on Shein, a 5-percentage-point increase compared to the previous year. As for Temu, 33% of respondents made a purchase, a 3-percentage-point increase.

The main factor attracting consumers remains price. Seven out of ten respondents say that low prices encourage them to shop on these platforms.

This popularity, however, is a cause for concern for the Quebec Retail Council. Its CEO, Damien Silès, is calling on the federal government to better regulate these companies so they are subject to the same rules as other businesses, particularly regarding taxation, the environment, and trade.

Furthermore, artificial intelligence is also beginning to play a role in shopping habits. 24% of consumers surveyed regularly use AI applications such as ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini to get advice before making purchases. Conversely, 47% refuse to use these tools in this context.

The results thus show that Quebec consumers are increasingly seeking low prices, while gradually adopting new technologies to help them with their purchasing decisions.