Forty per cent of Canadians say they are more likely to shop online for holiday gifts this year compared to last year, according to a survey released Monday by FedEx Express Canada.
The 2019 FedEx Holiday Shopping Survey found that time saving (62 per cent), better stock and selection (59 per cent), and the ability to shop in peace without interaction with others (35 per cent) were identified as the top three reasons for shopping online instead of in-store.
“There is an undeniable trend in Canada and globally toward a dramatic uptick in consumers’ use of e-commerce. Canadians shop online vs. in-store more than ever before – with data showing that Canadians are 56 per cent more likely to shop online compared to just five years ago,” Lisa Lisson, president of FedEx Express Canada, said in a news release.
“The results also show how Canadians want convenience when it comes to holiday shopping.”
The survey also found:
- 68 per cent of people were concerned about the threat of package theft, and 29 per cent have experienced package theft in the past;
- 22 per cent of Canadian Gen Zs avoid online shopping as they are scared they will inevitably buy too much. This is more than triple the number of Boomers (seven per cent) with that same concern; and
- In-store shoppers indicate they are more inclined to leave things to the last minute – particularly those in Atlantic provinces, with 25 per cent admitting to finishing in-store holiday shopping the day before the holidays. This compares to 14 per cent in Western provinces and 14 per cent in Ontario.
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