Cross-border shopping presents economic challenges to the Canadian economy

TORONTO, Oct. 8, 2014 /CNW/ - The Statistics Canada Study released today: Cross-border shopping, 2006 to 2012, demonstrates why the Government of Canada needs to implement changes to address the Canada/U.S. Price gap. The study examines three spending scenarios, low, medium and high expenditures. In these scenarios, the annual total for cross-border shopping ranged from $5.9 billion to $10.8 billion in 2012, or between 1.3 per cent and 2.3 per cent of total retail sales.

"The Statistics Canada study provides added data to the growing evidence that Canadians are voting with their pocketbooks and spending their hard earned dollars south of the border," says David Wilkes, Senior Vice President of Retail Council of Canada.

"The time to study is over and the time to act is now to address the root causes of the price gap between Canada and the U.S. Retail Council of Canada has called on the Government of Canada to finalize its commitment to level the playing field by eliminating outdated tariffs, harmonize regulations and address supplier pricing strategies."

RCC maintains that cross-border shopping presents real economic challenges to the Canadian economy.  Not only have same-day and overnight trips to the U.S. risen steadily, Canadians are increasingly shopping in the U.S. from the comfort of their living rooms. The impacts of cross-border shopping will continue to escalate unless the Government acts.

RCC looks forward to working with the Government to finalize commitments that will allow Canadian retailers to serve their customers on an equal footing.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

Dave Wilkes, Senior Vice-President, Retail Council of Canada is available today for interviews.

Susie Grynol, Vice-President, Federal Government Relations

To arrange an interview, please call:

Sharon Armstrong
416 574 2552
[email protected]

About Retail Council of Canada (RCC)

Retail Council of Canada (RCC) is the Voice of Retail in Canada representing more than 45,000 store fronts of all retail formats, including department, specialty, discount, and independent stores, and online merchants in general merchandise, grocery and drugs.  Its membership represents 80% of all retail sales in Canada.  RCC is a strong advocate for retailing in Canada and works with all levels of government and other stakeholders to support employment growth and career opportunities in retail, to promote and sustain retail investments in communities from coast-to-coast, and to enhance consumer choice and industry competitiveness. RCC also provides its members with a full range of services and programs including education and training, benchmarking and best practices, networking, advocacy, and industry information. www.retailcouncil.org / @retailcouncil

SOURCE: Retail Council of Canada

Sharon Armstrong, 416 574 2552, [email protected]