The Saint-Tite West Festival is in full swing and the streets are packed with festival-goers. Despite the inflationary context, most merchants are once again achieving great sales.
Thousands of them flood the streets of Saint-Tite for the Festival of the West. Cowboy clothing, boots, and hats are purchased in abundance during the holidays. On the other hand, will festival-goers’ wallets be affected by inflation this year?
Many say no, although they plan to spend as much as in previous years during their stay. From $50 to $1000 in expenses, that’s what you plan for a weekend.
Although traffic has not decreased, some merchants are still noticing that customers are limiting their spending a little more.
“Let’s say they pay more attention to their expenses, they pay more attention to prices,” says France Alarie, owner of Chapeaux de Gorewiches. She thus observes a slight decrease in sales. Even the designer Jean Airoldi recognizes the importance of a party like Saint-Tite to liquidate his inventory. “Je sens qu’il ya une petite limite au level des dépenses, quoique mes vêtements, j’ai beaucoup de liquidations, donc ce n’est pas cher, je thought que c’est pour ça que j’attire autant les gens” , he said.
Other merchants, like the owner of Boulet Boots, see no differences from previous years.
“I have the same numbers as last year. Is the same. To date I don’t see any slowdown,” explained Luc Fraser.
Although the cost of living has increased, Saint-Tite is definitely a world apart.
Festival attendees spend without looking at their budget and make the most of their stay in the small municipality.
