Canada Post data reveals changes in the Canadian e-commerce landscape
OTTAWA, Nov. 3, 2015 /CNW/ - New data from Canada Post released today shows that as e-commerce continues to grow at double-digit rates, the online retail market has started to evolve.
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. Though large urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver continue to produce strong volumes, the data indicates 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. 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.
Online shopping evolving
As Canadians across the country shop online more, what they're buying is also changing. Traditionally, mass merchants and fashion retailers have generated the bulk of e-commerce parcel growth. 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%).
"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," says Danielle Doiron, Director of Parcel Market Development, Canada Post.
About Canada Post
Canada Post is the country's leading provider of electronic commerce and customer communication solutions. It reaches 15.7 million addresses, operates the country's largest retail network, and offers affordable and reliable service with convenient pickup and return options for online shoppers. Together, Canada Post, Purolator Inc. and SCI Logistics offer market-leading end-to-end solutions for e-commerce shippers by leveraging the assets and expertise of the Canada Post Group of Companies.
Table 1. Growth in e-commerce shipment delivery by province, January – June 2014-2015
| Province |
YOY Growth |
| ON |
21% |
| BC |
18% |
| PE |
14% |
| NU |
14% |
| QC |
13% |
| NS |
12% |
| NB |
11% |
| AB |
11% |
| MB |
11% |
| SK |
10% |
| NL |
7% |
| YT |
4% |
| NT |
1% |
Table 2. Growth in e-commerce shipment delivery by industry, January – June 2014-2015
| Industry |
YOY Growth |
| Mass Merchant |
33% |
| Toys / Hobbies |
21% |
| Fashion |
16% |
| Office Supplies |
15% |
| Sporting Goods |
11% |
| Consumer Electronics |
8% |
| Other Retail |
7% |
| Telecommunications |
7% |
| Health & Beauty |
5% |
| Books / Music / Videos |
(7%) |
Table 3. Growth in e-commerce shipments delivery by major urban cities, January – June 2014-2015
| Major Urban Cities |
YOY Growth |
| WINDSOR |
29% |
| LONDON |
29% |
| KITCHENER |
27% |
| TORONTO |
25% |
| VANCOUVER |
24% |
| SASKATOON |
21% |
| VICTORIA |
19% |
| HAMILTON |
19% |
| REGINA |
17% |
| CHARLOTTETOWN |
17% |
| OTTAWA |
16% |
| EDMONTON |
16% |
| WINNIPEG |
15% |
| HALIFAX |
15% |
| MONTREAL |
15% |
| SAINT JOHN |
14% |
| CALGARY |
14% |
| MONCTON |
14% |
| QUEBEC |
13% |
| FREDERICTON |
13% |
| ALL OTHER CITIES |
11% |
| ST JOHN'S |
8% |
SOURCE Canada Post
Media relations, 613-734-8888, [email protected]
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