What do Airdrie residents really want when it comes to shopping? The answer is clear: convenience, variety and a little more excitement close to home!
Airdrie Economic Development recently dove into the minds of local shoppers with a consumer survey designed to unpack their habits, preferences and wishes. More than 800 people weighed in, offering a clear snapshot of how, when and where they choose to spend their dollars, along with what’s missing from the local landscape.
The feedback offers an opportunity for businesses to better connect with their customers, evolve their offerings and help shape a more vibrant local economy.
Most respondents live in Airdrie and are busy adults balancing work and family. Women led the charge in survey participation, reflecting their central role in household shopping decisions. Their voices highlight a preference for variety, unique finds and a strong sense of community. Men, on the other hand, tend to focus more on practicalities like parking and accessibility.
Age also plays a big role in shopping choices. Younger shoppers in their 20s to 40s are drawn to boutique-style stores and experiences, while older residents prioritize necessities like pharmacies and other essential services. Across income levels, the message is clear: people want a mix of affordability and premium choices, with loyalty programs and local perks helping stretch the budget further.
One standout insight? Airdrie’s commuters are still shopping locally. Despite spending their workdays elsewhere, many are choosing to support local businesses on their evenings and weekends. This challenges the assumption that commuters are spending their money outside city limits. There’s a major opportunity here for local retailers: by staying open later and leaning into strategic marketing, businesses can tap into this after-hours demand.
Most respondents said they’d rather shop in Airdrie than head elsewhere. Convenience topped the list of reasons, followed by a strong desire to support the local economy.
But, while shopping close to home is preferred, there’s still a gap when it comes to entertainment. Many residents are heading to Calgary for fun, pointing to a missing piece in the landscape. With more entertainment offerings, like live events, unique experiences or even just more places to gather, we could keep more of that energy (and those dollars) right here at home.
Downtown Airdrie presents exciting opportunities for growth and revitalization. While it currently faces challenges, the strong feedback from residents highlights an eagerness to embrace positive change. Improved parking, enhanced accessibility, and the addition of more boutique and specialty shops could transform the area into a vibrant hub that meets the diverse community needs. Events and community engagement also hold great potential to foster connection and attract foot traffic, while better promotion can showcase all that downtown Airdrie has to offer.
The survey results offer a strong takeaway: people care deeply about our community and want to support it. By tuning into their needs, whether that’s extended hours or better variety, local businesses can not only grow, but also help build a stronger, more connected Airdrie in the process.
To learn more about the Consumer Survey, please visit: involve.airdrie.ca
Tara Levick is an economic development officer with the City of Airdrie.
