eCommerce and Canada
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Internet Business -> subcategory Ecommerce.
eCommerce in Canada: A Promising Future
Canadian eCommerce has seen some stagnation recently, but there are significant growth opportunities on the horizon. While retail eCommerce growth remained flat between 2003 and 2004, a deeper look reveals that approximately 60% of the top 100 non-travel sites boosted their sales by over 20%.
Interestingly, Canadians are increasingly choosing domestic sites over foreign ones, with 63% favoring Canadian platforms. This shift presents a ripe opportunity for new eCommerce ventures in the country.
Targeting Tech-Savvy Consumers
The biggest opportunities lie with tech-savvy consumers, particularly those aged 18-34, who are more likely to purchase online. This group increased their e-commerce spending by 44% during the studied period. In contrast, spending by those aged 35-54 rose only 5%, and the 55+ age group saw an 18% increase.
Although Canada's internet adoption rate trails the U.S. at about 52%, improvements in infrastructure and Canadian ISPs are expected to boost this figure within 3-5 years. The Canadian government supports this growth by promoting investment, research, and accessibility to create a robust e-economy.
Shifting Demographics and Market Potential
Forrester Research highlights that 48% of Canadian web shoppers are female, up from 39% in 2003. Also, 74% are married, likely shopping from home, up from 68% in the previous year. This change provides an excellent target for online home retailers, particularly focusing on women aged 30-40 who maintain residences.
U.S. retailers seldom have Canadian online stores, and shipping costs can be prohibitive for Canadian consumers. These factors, along with limited domestic eCommerce offerings, contribute to stagnant growth in online sales.
By establishing an early presence in Canada's online market, retailers can attract consumers who prefer domestic shipping and transactions in Canadian currency.
The Rise of Broadband and Multi-Channel Shopping
In 2003, Canada became the first country where broadband overtook dial-up access. Currently, 48% of Canadians have broadband, making them 67% more likely than Americans to have high-speed internet. This penetration supports innovative online marketing strategies beyond just price competition.
Canadian shoppers, like their American counterparts, often research online before purchasing offline, with 58% following this pattern and spending an average of $440. Successful strategies must integrate online and physical stores, utilizing tools like store locators to enhance cross-channel shopping.
Conclusion
For multinational retailers, the Canadian eCommerce landscape offers considerable potential. With appealing demographics, solid broadband infrastructure, and evolving shopping habits, Canada is poised to become a high-growth market for multi-channel retail.
Craig Smith
Trinity Insight LLC
[Trinity Insight](http://www.trinityinsight.com)
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