The majority of Canadian consumers plan to shop online during this holiday season, with WesternCanada showing the strongest demand for online shopping during the upcoming Christmas period, a new
survey by FedEx Express Canada revealed.The results of the third annual ‘FedEx Express Canada Online Shopping Intentions Survey’ showedthat 61% of Canadians intend to buy their Christmas gifts online this year, up from 51% lastyear.
Especially in Western Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, the numberof online shoppers is expected to grow at double-digit rates. In British Columbia, for example, 68%of the consumers are expected to shop online this holiday season, a 19% increase on last year. InAlberta, the figure is similarly high with 69%, which also represents a double-digit increase of13% compared to 2013.
A majority of Canadian population also plan to make use of “click-buy-and-ship” options fromanywhere due to its convenience and comfort.
“Doing all or some of our holiday shopping online is now the new norm in Canada,” Lisa Lisson,president of FedEx Express Canada, said. “Canadians put a lot of work and effort into preparing forthe holidays. Canadians are discovering that shopping online helps to alleviate much of the stressin the lead-up to the holidays.”
In terms of online shopper profiles during this Christmas season, more men are expected to shoponline for the holidays than women with 64% and 58% respectively. The same tendency was observedduring the last Christmas season, when 52% of the men shopped online, as opposed to 49% of thewomen.
Another trend is that younger shoppers are more likely to purchase items online, with 75% ofrespondents aged 18-34 years saying they will buy their Christmas gifts online, compared to 67% ofthose aged 35-54 years. However, 66% of the respondents aged 55 and older stated that they will notshop online this year.
The survey also showed that more shoppers across all income categories plan to shop online thisyear. While 77% of people with incomes higher than $100,000 expressed their willingness to buygifts via internet this year (73% in 2013), 66% of those earning $50,000-$99,999 are also willingto do so (56% in 2013).
“The online holiday shopping season is an exciting time for FedEx as it represents a tremendousopportunity for Canadian consumers and businesses. Online shoppers have more options at theirfingertips while e-tailers have potential access to a growing customer base. Our mission at FedExis to connect online businesses with their online shoppers, helping to make the holiday seasoneasier and worry-free for all,” Lisson added.
In response to the growing e-commerce in Canada, FedEx has begun expanding its retail presencein the country. FedEx Office, for example, has expanded its retail network for all shipping andprinting needs in key markets across Canada. In March this year, FedEx also partnered with HomeHardware to host FedEx Authorised ShipCentres in participating stores throughout Canada. Later inSeptember, a similar agreement was signed with Super C and their 86 stores across Quebec. Thisoffers Canadians more local access points for FedEx Express and FedEx Ground services, with a fullrange of shipping options at each participating store.
The online survey was conducted by Canadian research firm Angus Reid and commissioned by FedExExpress Canada, with 1,509 randomly-selected Canadian adults being interviewed from 10-11 September2014.
