The Regulars Effect: How to Survive the 2026 Spending Shift

The 2026 Canadian local economy is shifting toward relationship-driven commerce, where small businesses thrive not by chasing volume, but by becoming integral parts of neighborhood networks. Carissa Amara of Square Canada reveals that 74% of Canadians visit multiple local businesses on a single trip, and 49% of Toronto sellers share regular customers with at least one other local business—proving that economic resilience comes from interconnectedness. The real growth engine isn’t transaction volume, but the 'Regulars Effect': repeat customers who spend consistently and generate six to seven times more annual value than one-time visitors. Businesses that win in 2026 will focus on intentional value, seamless experiences, and deep personalization—removing friction through mobile payments, booking tools, and loyalty programs—while treating customers not as data points, but as people. The future belongs to those who turn casual visits into lasting relationships, proving that in a tight economy, trust and consistency are the ultimate competitive advantages.