December eCommerce heated up as Canadian temperatures plunged

MasterCard Canada SpendingPulse reports highest rate of online transactions to date

TORONTO, Jan. 16, 2014 /CNW/ - Canadians responded to extreme weather conditions in December by taking their holiday shopping online – and they reached a major milestone in the process. For the first time in Canadian eCommerce history, the online share of retail sales totalled 7.8% for the month of December according to MasterCard SpendingPulse, a macro-economic report that leverages purchase information across all forms of payment – credit cards, cash and cheque – to offer detailed insight into consumer spending trends. The eCommerce channel showed a 22.2% month-over-month increase in December, representing the 54th consecutive month of positive year-over-year growth for the channel.

"Canadians are embracing eCommerce, and steady growth is no surprise. However, for the first time total online retail sales reached nearly 8%. An impressive share of spending is happening online and it's a trend that can't be ignored. Canadians recognize that electronic payments are a safe, reliable and convenient way to purchase items without leaving home to brave the elements," said Sarah Quinlan, Senior Vice President, Market Insights for MasterCard Advisors.

Total Canadian retail growth was steady but slow, posting a year-over-year growth of 2.3% and demonstrating the strength of eCommerce retail growth. The price index also declined significantly due to deep promotions during the holidays.

"The price index decline is interesting because it reflects eCommerce growth due to an increase in online transactions, not necessarily higher prices," said Quinlan.

About MasterCard
MasterCard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a global payments and technology company. It operates the world's fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard's products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MasterCardNews, join the discussion on the Cashless Conversations Blog and subscribe for the latest news.

About MasterCard SpendingPulse
A macro‐economic indicator, MasterCard SpendingPulse reports on national retail sales and is based on aggregate sales activity in the MasterCard payments network, coupled with survey-based estimates for certain other payment forms, including cash and cheque. MasterCard SpendingPulse does not represent MasterCard financial performance. SpendingPulse is provided by MasterCardAdvisors, the professional services arm of MasterCard International Incorporated. MasterCard SpendingPulse reports and content, including estimated forecasts of spending trends, do not in any way contain, reflect or relate to actual MasterCard operational or financial performance, or specific payment-card-issuer data.

About MasterCard Advisors
As the professional services arm of MasterCard Worldwide, MasterCard Advisors is uniquely qualified to provide clients with insights and solutions that drive tangible impact and financial gain. MasterCard Advisors provides payments consulting, information, analytics, and customized services that deliver value to its customers. In doing so, the company uses information to create products and services in which privacy and security are fundamental to their design. A technology company that is an electronic payments leader, MasterCard is committed to the responsible use of information and pledges strong privacy protection for the transaction data the company processes. Its information management practices support the company's mission to make payments safe, simple and smart. For more information, go to www.mastercardadvisors.com

SOURCE: MasterCard Canada

Leslie Jackson, [email protected], 416-355-7421; Lauren Mostowyk, [email protected], 416-365-6697