Online shopping from home has become increasingly more appealing to Canadians as time goes on. This is particularly true during peak Christmas season, with heavy in-store traffic leading to an increase in online purchases.
In fact, according to consultation firm Accenture’s 2017 Holiday Shopping Survey, 40 percent of Canadians plan to do most — if not all — of their holiday shopping online this year. Forty-seven percent of respondents said they would do the majority of their shopping in-store. The survey also found that 66 percent of respondents said they first check Amazon before looking or buying anywhere else.
Further, Accenture says that mobile and social media sites continue to be the most popular tools that survey respondents said they use for holiday shopping. Specifically, the survey showed that, since last year, online shopping has increased by five percent, social media searching rose 33 percent and mobile usage is up 100 percent. All the while, in-store shopping was said to have decreased by 11 percent. At the same time, in-store shopping has decreased by 11 percent. YouTube was cited as the dominant social channel (46 percent), with Facebook coming in a close second (42 percent).
As well, Accenture’s research revealed that 56 percent of Canadian consumers said that being given online wish lists or other gift idea tools would make their shopping experience much easier.
In last year’s Holiday Shopping Survey, Accenture found that nearly 75 percent found of Canadians also used online resources to research products and retail stores before making a purchase.
“This year, Canadians are putting a high premium on convenience and digital when it comes to getting their holiday shopping done,” said Robin Sahota, managing director of Accenture’s retail practice in Canada, in a press statement.
“Canadians are also moving toward being ‘shopped and wrapped’ earlier than ever before, which means retailers must seize the opportunity to innovate and by offering a distinctive experience, lay the foundation for more profitable, year-round relationships. The key is to define their purpose, engage in a way that is memorable and be clear about the role they will play in shoppers’ lives.”
To compile the Holiday Shopping Survey, Accenture says it surveyed 1,500 Canadian consumers throughout the month of September 2017.
Source: Canada Newswire
