Increase In Online Shopping Is Driven By Canada's New Commitment To E-Commerce
Until recent years, online consumer spending in Canada lagged in comparison to other countries such as the United States. That gap now seems to have disappeared, as Canadian companies have adjusted to the specific needs of their domestic marketplace.
MONTREAL, Oct. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Canadian e-commerce is now clearly on the rise, led by a commitment to increase the efficiency of online shopping. While convenience is a key factor, savvy consumers are also drawn to the major discounts that are available exclusively to online shoppers.
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Companies have shown a strong desire to develop their web commerce, and it's working. According to market research firm comScore, several leading retailers across the nation have seen at least 5 to 10 per cent increases in website visits when compared to last year. The list of retailers includes such major brand names as Apple, Sears, Canadian Tire and Home Depot.
Another major indication that online shopping is here to stay in Canada, major U.S. retailers such as Gap and Nordstrom have moved north of the border to establish online outposts as well. The move appears well justified, as Canadian shoppers have steadily increased online spending over the past several years. According to e-commerce research firm eMarketer, the average Canadian shopper will likely spend about $1,527 online this year. This figure matches that of online shoppers in the U.S., who are expected to spend about $1,497.
Some of this increase can be attributed to improved website functionality and security of online payments, two of the biggest obstacles for those new to shopping via the web. But much of the credit must also be given to the emergence of exclusive online discounts.
Several years ago, e-commerce retailers began offering coupons and discounts to those purchasing products and services online. A number of independent websites soon followed, and these helped consumers by listing available coupons and discounts found all across the internet.
Websites such as Promotionalcode.ca began combining online communities with these lists of discounts, further enhancing their value to web consumers. These communities allow users to share valuable information about discounts and general shopping experience. Aimed specifically at online shoppers in Canada, this community provides up-to-date information about available discounts across a variety of different industries in the country. "Consumers have proven they will quickly adapt to new methods as long as they find them useful," says Stephen Banks of Promotionalcode.ca. "Online communities have helped this adaptation process, allowing consumers to learn from one another, outside of typical marketing hype".
Any way we look at it, there is clear evidence that e-commerce and online shopping are set to play significant roles in the Canadian marketplace going forward. Domestic companies are beefing up their websites to encourage consumer online spending, and international brands are establishing Canadian sites in anticipation of increased virtual dollars.
As more Canadian consumers take to online shopping, this will undoubtedly increase the popularity of online bargain hunting communities. Dedicated to sharing vital discount, commonly in the form of promo codes and coupons as well as consumer information, these websites are important tools that allow consumers to save money and rapidly enhance their online shopping experience.
Media Contact: Marc Duguay-Blais Ingenious IM, 514-553-5058, [email protected]
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SOURCE Ingenious IM
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