FedEx Express Canada expects the majority of Canadian e-consumers to make their Christmaspurchases via the internet this year breaking online shopping records for this holiday season,
according to its latest Online Shopping survey.Conducted by the market research firm Angus Reid on behalf of FedEx, the recent poll showed that60% of Canadian holiday shoppers prefer to shop online during this holiday season. Last year, thecorresponding figure was only 48% which equals a year-on-year increase of 12%.
Overall, the majority of residents in all Canadian provinces plan to shop online this year.Consumers in Atlantic Canada, Alberta and Saskatchewan are among the most likely to shop online,with 68%, 66% and 64% respectively.
In terms of gender difference, women are more likely to shop via internet this year with 60%compared to 59% among men. Last year, it was the other way around, with 57% among men and only 53%among women.
The survey also revealed that age is not an obstacle to online shopping as 62% of surveyrespondents in the age group 35-54 and 41% of those aged 55 years and older indicated they will dotheir holiday shopping online this year, up 4% and 5% respectively. Nevertheless, consumers aged18-34 continue to lead all age demographics, with 76% planning to shop online which is a 3%increase on last year.
Even income is not a barrier to online shopping, according to the poll. What is remarkable isthat the percentage of people earning less than $50,000 who are willing to make their holidaypurchases online increased from 38% last year to 65% this year representing a year-on-year hike of27%. The willingness to shop online also increased among people earning over $100,000 to 65% (57%in 2012) and to 65% among of those earning $50,000-$99,999 (52% in 2012).
“The chaos of Black Friday holiday shopping is quickly being replaced with the calmingconvenience of Cyber Monday,” Lisa Lisson, president of FedEx Express Canada, said. “Canadians areclearly opting to avoid the malls and shop online for amazing holiday deals and the convenience ofdelivery to the office or home. Online shopping is one way to add a relaxing experience to anoccasionally stressful holiday season.”
FedEx Corp. expects December 2, 2013, to be the busiest day in company history with 22 millionpackages to be delivered around the world. It is the first time ever that the busiest day of theyear for FedEx is expected to fall on Cyber Monday.
