MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 25, 2019 - Forty per cent of Canadians say they are more likely to shop online for holiday gifts this year compared to last year. Among those shopping online, time saving (62%), better stock and selection (59%), and the ability to shop in peace without interaction with others (35%) were identified as the top three reasons for shopping online instead of in-store.
These findings come from the 2019 FedEx Holiday Shopping Survey, a poll conducted by The Logit Group on behalf of FedEx Express Canada, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp (NYSE: FDX), which explored the motivators, behaviours and trends surrounding holiday shopping this season.
The survey also looked at where people shop online, with 16% of Canadians surveyed admitting they shop online while visiting in-laws to pass the time.
“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% more likely to shop online compared to just five years ago,” said Lisa Lisson, President of FedEx Express Canada. “The results also show how Canadians want convenience when it comes to holiday shopping. From pickup and drop off services at well-known retailers, to customizing the date of residential deliveries, FedEx is committed to making Canadians’ holiday shopping experience as convenient as possible – giving them more control over their holiday shipments.”
However, with a rise in online shopping people also worry about package theft. Of those surveyed, 68% were concerned about the threat of package theft, and 29% have experienced package theft in the past.
The survey also indicates that Canadians are doing their best to surprise their loved ones with 32% of Gen Zs reporting having hidden a package from their parents. When looking at other generations, 22% of millennials admit to having hidden a package from a partner or spouse –surpassing the national average of 14%.
The survey also found that:
•More than 1 in 5 (22%) 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 (7%) with that same concern.
•In-store shoppers indicate they are more inclined to leave things to the last minute – particularly those in Atlantic provinces, with 25% admitting to finishing in-store holiday shopping the day before the holidays. This compares to 14% in Western provinces and 14% in Ontario.
•5% of Quebecers are more likely to finish their online holiday shopping after the holidays. This compares to 9% who will finish their in-store shopping after the holidays.
“As online shopping increases in popularity, one of the greatest opportunities in front of the transportation and logistics industry both locally and globally is successfully managing the growth of e-commerce to ensure the safe and timely delivery of packages this holiday season,” said Lisson. “This is the time of the year where Canadian e-tailers need us the most. We are ready.”
For more information on the survey or about shipping with FedEx Canada this holiday season visit: www.fedex.ca/holidays.
About the survey
This poll was conducted by Edelman in partnership with Logit Group on behalf of FedEx between September 20 and September 25 among a sample of 1,500 Canadian consumers above the age of 18. The interviews were conducted online and respondents were sourced using online panels. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points.
About FedEx Corp.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $70 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 450,000 team members to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. To learn more about how FedEx connects people and possibilities around the world, please visit about.fedex.com.
SOURCE FedEx Express Canada
For further information: James Anderson, Senior Communications Specialist, Public Relations and Corporate Communications, (905) 212-5372, jcanderson@fedex.com