Not long ago, we reported that alcohol sales were rising dramatically during the early stages of the pandemic, and now the numbers prove it.
The SAQ is reporting a net income of $284 million for the first fiscal quarter of 2021-22— an increase of $40.5 million or 16.6% from the first quarter of the company's preceding fiscal year.
It’s a huge spike which the company is largely attributing to the pandemic; however, according to the press release, the value of consumers' average shopping cart has dropped from $85.82 to $69.71. These results point to a gradual reopening of bars and restaurants as well as a return to conventional shopping behaviour, with customers visiting stores more often but spending less with each visit.