Online retail market is “evolving”, says Canada Post
Canada Post has released new data which shows that not only is e-commerce continuing to grow at double-digit rates, but that the online retail market has started to evolve. In a statement issued today (3 November), Canada Post noted: “For the first half of 2015, the number of items ordered online and delivered by Canada Post in Canada grew 16% compared to the same period last year.”
Canada’s large urban centres like Toronto and Vancouver continue to produce strong volumes, but the data from Canada Post indicated that mid-size cities are now taking the lead on growth.
“London and Windsor (Ont.) topped the list with 29% annual growth in e-commerce shipment delivery. Kitchener (Ont.) and Saskatoon (Sask.) weren’t far behind with 27% and 21% respectively,” said Canada Post. “Provincially, while Ontario and B.C. still lead the way, with 21% and 18% growth, P.E.I. took the third spot, thanks to Charlottetown which produced 17% year over year growth.”
The study also indicated some interesting trends in buying habits.
“Traditionally, mass merchants and fashion retailers have generated the bulk of e-commerce parcel growth,” said Canada Post. “But as Canadians transition from being first-time to frequent shoppers and eventually hyper shoppers (11+ times annually) they are branching out and buying different kinds of items online. Here, the data points to the emergence of three new e-commerce growth sectors: Toys/Hobbies (21%) e-commerce parcel volume growth; Office Supplies (15%) and Sporting Goods (11%).”
Commenting on the data, Danielle Doiron, Director of Parcel Market Development, Canada Post, said: “As Canada Post delivers two out of every three parcels we’re committed to supporting retailers to help them make the most of the online opportunity. To do this, we offer not only convenience-based delivery solutions, like FlexDelivery, but relevant research to help them better understand and maximize the current e-commerce growth opportunity.”
As Post&Parcel reported last Wednesday, Canada Post has just launched a new concept drive-thru and parcel pick-up store in Richmond Hill, Ontario, which is focused on catering to the needs of the online shopper.
The new store in Richmond Hill features a 24/7 self-service zone; a parcel “drive-thru” area, where customers can collect their parcels without even having to get out of their cars; and a changing room facility, where customers can try on their online purchases.
