Canadians Increasingly Turning to Online Shopping for Back-to-School Deals
Poll demonstrates parents are pursuing alternative back-to-school shopping methods
TORONTO, Aug. 14, 2018 /CNW/ - Summer break is coming to an end and many Canadian parents are turning to online shopping methods as an alternative to the brick and mortar experience for the back-to-school season. Consistent with last year, a full two-thirds of Canadian parents are planning to do at least some of their back-to-school shopping online this year (67 per cent), allotting roughly 31 per cent of their budget to online spending, according to a recent poll by Ebates.ca.
In fact, online shopping for back-to-school has more than doubled from 31 per cent in just four years, and ninety-four per cent of parents stated that their online spending for back-to-school this year will be as much or even more than last year. The poll looked at the buying habits and sentiments of Canadians on back-to-school, one of the largest retail events of the year.
"Preparing kids for back to school is a stressful and time-consuming task for Canadian parents," said Belinda Bauginet, VP of marketing and resident shopping expert. "We've seen an increase in online back-to-school shopping over the last few years as parents seek alternate ways to find the best deals, while saving time."
Back-to-School Spending Habits
The number one pain point for parents in every region of the country, remaining consistent with the previous school year, is the expense of back-to-school shopping with 29 per cent of parents agreeing it is the biggest stressor during the season.
The majority (67 per cent) of Canadian parents are expecting to spend more than $100 this year – $166 on average, per child – which is down from $183 in 2017, but still higher than the average of $155 in 2014. A quarter of parents say they will likely spend more on back-to-school this year than last year and only 6 per cent think they will be able to spend less than they have in the past.
Finding the Best Deals
When it comes to the best deals for back-to-school, 51 per cent of parents who shop online feel they get the best prices (as compared to in-store) and 53 per cent say they prefer the ease and convenience of back-to-school shopping online. The overall sentiment seems to confirm that the best prices and offers for back-to-school shopping can be found online.
The most frequently purchased items for back-to-school include classroom supplies like pencils and erasers (83 per cent), clothing (83 per cent), footwear (80 per cent), backpacks/lunch bags (79 per cent), and electronic devices (18 per cent).
Those shopping online for back-to-school have a number of tricks up their sleeve to ensure they are getting the best possible deals this year, including:
- 67 per cent search retailer websites for deals
- 51 per cent search for online coupons/promo codes
- 38 per cent sign up for email notification of sales/promotions
- 37 per cent use cash back websites (up 5 per cent from 2017)
- 31 per cent use mobile apps to find deals
- 28 per cent use social media to find deals
The Upside
While cost is a major stressor for Canadian parents, 38 per cent say the best aspects of the back-to-school season include getting their kids back on a regular schedule, with 32 per cent of parents saying it's getting their kids back in the learning environment. Fifteen per cent find that it makes their work schedule easier. Meanwhile, eight per cent agree equally that not having to find ways to keep the kids entertained and getting the kids out of the house are the best part of back-to-school.
About the survey The Ebates Canada survey was conducted online in June 2018 with a nationally representative sample of 1,010 Canadians. A sample of this size is accurate to within +/-3 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
About Ebates Inc. The Ebates brand supports a strong community of savvy shoppers around the world and has paid out nearly $1 billion to its global members. Ebates.ca membership is free and allows consumers to shop online at over 750 of their favourite top-name retailers while earning Cash Back on every purchase they make, paid out quarterly in the form of a #BigFatCheque or via PayPal. Founded in 1998, Ebates began international expansion with the launch of Ebates Canada in 2012 headquartered in Toronto, and was acquired by Rakuten, Inc. in 2014. Ebates.ca is proudly and specifically built by Canadians, for Canadians.
SOURCE Ebates Canada
Sammi Braverman, 647.354.0576, [email protected]
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