New survey discovers majority of Canadians believe Mom is nicer than Dad

Future Shop replaces Santa's naughty list with 'The Nicer List' to determine who deserves the best gift

Announcement Highlights: 

1. Future Shop reveals the country's nicest people and places as identified by Canadians in 2013 holiday survey.
2. Future Shop releases 'The Nicer List', a site that lets Canadians gauge how nice they are, and who deserves the best tech gifts this holiday season.
3. Future Shop officially kicks off the holiday shopping season with the top Season's Gadgets for the whole family.

BURNABY, BC, Nov. 6, 2013 /CNW/ - If the stories we are told as kids are true, then Mom should receive more gifts than anyone from Santa this holiday season.  According to a new survey* conducted by Future Shop, Canada's leading retailer and e-tailer of consumer electronics and lifestyle products, 46 per cent of Canadians believe Mom is the nicest member of the family. Dad is a distant second at 14 per cent and sisters place third with eight per cent.

With all that niceness weaving through Canada's families, Future Shop has thrown out Santa's traditional 'Naughty List' and replaced it with 'The Nicer List'. Launching mid-November at futureshop.ca/nicerlist, 'The Nicer List' is will score how nice (or not nice) Canadians and their friends have been this year, and even helps them raise their nice score for a chance to win Future Shop prizes (with more than $50,000 in prizes up for grabs). The 'Nicer-est' person in Canada will win a $10,000 Grand Prize. They will also be able to compare their nice score to celebrities, politicians and other public figures.

Speaking of which, Future Shop asked Canadians who the nicest home-grown celebrities are. Michael J. Fox was a clear front runner for the males (47 per cent), while Rachel McAdams took it home for the females (21 per cent) with a much narrower margin. Mike Myers (10 per cent) and Ellen Page (13 per cent) took second place. It also came as no surprise that 84 per cent of Canadians agree the Great White North tops the list of "Nicest Nations", with British Columbia (20 per cent) and Ontario (16 per cent) ranking one and two as the most pleasant provinces, and Quebec and Newfoundland tying for third (14 per cent).

Those who are worried they haven't been the nicest this year have no need to fret; there is still time to up the nice quotient before the gifts start flowing.  Canadians told Future Shop that the simple acts of smiling (46 per cent), being courteous/ remembering to say please and thank you (46 per cent), and performing small acts of kindness (28 per cent) can make even strangers seem instantly nicer.

Staying off the 'Naughty List' a concern? Stay away from the following top three things Canadians say would put a friend or family member instantly on their bad list:

• Being caught in a lie - 66 per cent
• Missing or ditching a social engagement/plans - 24 per cent
• Making plans that don't include them - 20 per cent

To help gift givers with their holiday shopping this year, Future Shop has put together a list of the season's must-have gadgets and categorized them based on the niceness of the recipient.  With its Price Beat Promise, expanded selection of tech and lifestyle products, and multitude of ways for Canadians to get their hands on the best gifts around, Future Shop makes holiday shopping easy for the nicest country there is.

Season's Gadgets
Check out Future Shop's list of some of the most exciting holiday gift ideas that will satisfy the nice, nicer and nicest people on Canadian shopping lists.

For those who are nice

Coming Soon!
Man of Steel - bilingual exclusive steelbook Blu-ray combo
Superman is back just in time for the holiday session in this Blu-ray combo exclusive SteelBook. Don't miss this classic action and adventure movie that the whole family can enjoy together.
Estimated release date: 11/12/2013.
Future Shop and FutureShop.ca exclusive
$32.99
WebID: M2208164

Google Nexus 7 by ASUS 16GB 7-inch tablet with Android 4.3 - black
Welcome the second generation Google Nexus 7. The Nexus 7 runs on the Android 4.3 operating system, allowing for crystal clear HD video and plenty of storage space. It seamlessly connects to networks and compatible devices using integrated wi-fi and Bluetooth 4.0 technology, so users can stay connected no matter where they are over the winter break
$249.99
WebID: 10261231

New!
Sphero 2.0 robotic ball toy
Introducing the second generation Sphero Ball! This robotic ball gaming system interacts with smartphones and tablets by using tilting, touching or swinging motions for multiplayer and arcade-style games. With more than a 50-foot range and speeds of up to three feet per second, the Sphero 2.0 Ball is easy to learn and master, making it the perfect gift for anyone who is big on gaming.
$139.99
WebID: 10266625

New!
Fitbit Force wireless activity and sleep tracker - small - black
Help family and friends get fit this holiday break with Fitbit. Users can wear this tracker on their wrist to measure their fitness activities, including steps taken and calories burned. The FitBit wirelessly syncs the data to the user's smartphone or computer. The LED display shows user's progress in real time and it can even help them sleep better by tracking how long and how deep they sleep.
$129.99
WebID: 10270646

Call of Duty: Ghosts
Get the gift that every famer will be calling for: Call of Duty: Ghosts - the newest edition to the Call of Duty franchise. Gamers can expect a new cast, new story, new setting, but same intense game they have come to love and play. With an all new experience powered by the brand new Call of Duty engine that creates a more lifelike gaming experience, gamers will be captivated for the entire winter break.
Available for PlayStation 3 PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Wii U, and PC.
Rated M for mature (ages 17+)
$59.99
WebID: 10204340

LiteHawk XL RC helicopter - red
The perfect present for anyone who has ever dreamed of being a pilot, the LiteHawk XL helicopter can be flown indoors and outdoors with omni-directional flight. This lightweight, stable and powerful helicopter comes fully-loaded with a computer numerical control metal chassis, shock-absorbing landing gear, and breakaway blades for safe performance.
$69.99
WebID: 10259072

Nike sports watch with TomTom GPS - black
The Nike SportWatch is the perfect workout buddy for any gym enthusiast. It records up to 50 runs, monitors pace and heart rate, and keeps track of personal bests. GPS, along with a Nike shoe sensor (included), tracks continuous speeds and distance data, as well as the number of calories the user has burned so they can make sure they get the workout and results they need to get rid of that extra holiday weight.
$169.99
WebID: 10224781

Future Shop gift cards and e-cards
Stressing out about buying the perfect gift? Don't fret, Future Shop has everyone covered. A gift card makes for the perfect stocking stuffer for anyone on Future Shop's nice, nicer, and nicest lists! Shopping for someone out of the area? Future Shop's online eGift cards can be sent via email in a few short minutes!
Available in-store at Future Shop locations and at FutureShop.ca

For those who are nicer

Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 quadricopter - blue
Experience the next generation of quadricopters that can be controlled with a smartphone or tablet. The Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 is equipped with an autopilot feature, special sensors for easy take-off and landing, and allows for intuitive tilt control.  It also has a high definition camera that lets users see what the copter sees and lets them record and share it too.
$329.99
WebID: 10205815

Zoomer Dalmatian electronic toy dog
One might not be able to teach an old dog new tricks, but the intuitive Zoomer Dalmatian electronic toy dog can learn more than 60 tricks. Train Zoomer and watch in amazement as it obeys various voice commands, retrieves a ball, and responds to tickles.
$119.99
WebID: 10265868

Breaking Bad: The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
Relive every heart pounding moment this winter break and watch Walter White transform from a high school chemistry teacher and turn into a meth kingpin from the beginning. This incredible box set includes all 62 uncut, uncensored episodes and an exclusive feature-length documentary on the making of the final season. This is a must have gift for any Breaking Bad fanatic.
Estimated release date: 11/26/2013
$169.99
WebID: M2208238

Bose QuietComfort acoustic noise cancelling in ear headphones - grey
Bose's first in-ear noise cancelling headphones will let users either shut out background noise to revel in their music or tune in to what's going on around them with Aware mode. The QuietComfort headphones are comfortable and secure, letting users tune out or listen in on whatever they desire.
$329.99
WebID: 10257484

Samsung Galaxy 4
Upgrade to the Samsung Galaxy S4 - the latest flagship Smartphone in the Galaxy line that's taking the smartphone experience to new heights. The five inch full HD screen with high resolution will make user's photos, videos, games, and apps look incredibly vibrant and clear. The rear and front camera allow users to play around with fun features and capture all the holiday cheer.
$179.99
WebID: 10248523

PlayStation 4 console
Break the boundaries of the conventional gaming experience and give gamers the console that will bring hours of entertainment. PS4 redefines the meaning of interactive entertainment with next level hardware technology that showcases what immersive game playing is all about. Gamers will love the wide-angle cameras that accurately determine positioning in 3D space, as well as the dualshock game controller so they can feel the impact of all the action.
$399.99
WebID: 10254140

Beats by Dr. Dre Solo HD control headphones with built-in mic - pink
Buy family and friends the coolest head gear that won't mess up their hair during the winter months. The Beats by Dr. Dre headphones are lightweight and compact on the outside, but inside, these headphones have advanced features that deliver incredibly rich and crisp audio. These super sleek headphones come in a variety of colours for users to choose from.
$199.99
WebID: 10215484

Sony 18.2MP Q10X optical zoom digital camera - black
Users can turn their smartphone into a high-tech photographic genius with Sony's optical zoom camera. Once the Qx10 is attached to a smartphone, the phone's screen will capture professional-quality images with its 18.2MP sensor. Its 10x optical zoom and Steadyshot allows users to capture all their holiday moments and share them with the click of a button with family and friends.
Estimated release date: October 2013.
$249.99
WebID: 10269375

For those who are nicest

Traxxas Slash 4WD brushless 1/10 scale RC car - Mike Jenkins edition
The Traxxas Slash RC truck possesses incredible power with speed of up to 40mph. It has the most advanced race-ready radio system in the world, giving user the best performance at every bump and turn. This makes the perfect Christmas gift as the Traxxas Slash stands up to snow, water and mud!
$439.99
WebID: 10213815

Xbox One - Day One edition
A must-have gift for any gamer, the Xbox One will capture users from the moment they say "Xbox on". The state-of-the-art console will dramatically change the way users play games, with its Kinect sensors, commemorative controller, and HDMI cable, allowing users to listen to music, watch movies and television. Pre-order now online or in store to get the Xbox One on launch day!
Estimated release date: 11/22/2013.
$499.99
WebID: 10254138

Microsoft Surface Pro 2 Windows 8.1 pro tablet - dark titanium
Get laptop level performance in a truly mobile format with the Microsoft Surface Pro 2. Mom can watch a movie, browse Facebook, or play a game without having to hold the tablet thanks to the built-in kickstand. The Surface Pro 2 tablet has huge amounts of storage, a long battery life, and Full HD 1080p display making this the perfect item to bring when travelling over the winter break.
$999.99
WebID: 10246715

Samsung 6- inch 4K ultra HD Smart LED TV
Santa is going to have a hard time carrying this massive 65-inch Samsung LED TV down the chimney for dad on Christmas Eve. Its impressive ultra high definition 4K gives four times the video resolution and delivers incredible picture detail combined with state-of-the-art Smart TV and hand gesture control technology.
$6,199.99
WebID: 10262541

Asus G30 Gaming PC
Users will be immersed in all the action this holiday season with the Asus Gaming PC. It combines powerful specs, supreme audio, and the highest quality materials. The Asus desktop was rated number one by PCWorld USA readers in the categories of satisfaction, reliability, and service making this gaming desktop the ultimate gift for the ultimate gamer.
$1,999.99
WebID:10254663

Sony VAIO Duo 13 13.3 inch hybrid touch ultrabook - black
Trying to decide whether to get a laptop or a tablet for Christmas? Sony's VAIO Surf Slider ultrabook can be both! It transforms from a typical laptop into a portable tablet and features a brilliant 13 inch full HD touchscreen display, a 8GB system memory, long battery life, and comes complete with Microsoft Windows 8 for users to enjoy.
$1,499.99
WebID: 10260126

Samsung Galaxy 16.3MP 21x optical zoom digital camera - white
Craving a high-end digital camera with the functionality of an Android tablet? Look no further, the Samsung Galaxy camera captures crisp, clear photos with its 21x optical zoom and 16MP sensor. It also features a 4.8 HD LCD screen so users can upload and share photos instantly with the built-in Wi-Fi function and 3G/4G connectivity.
$599.99
WebID: 10248840

Prices as of October 30, 2013. Prices subject to change. Price Beat Promise in effect.

*The survey was conducted online among a national sample of 910 Future Shop customers, 18 years of age and older, living in Canada. Interviewing for this survey was completed during October 23-30, 2013.

About Future Shop
With 140 stores across the country and the nation's premier web store (www.futureshop.ca), Burnaby, BC-based Future Shop is Canada's largest retailer and e-tailer of consumer electronics. The company employs 10,000 technology enthusiasts, and has enabled its website, Futureshop.ca, to deliver unparalleled content about the products it sells. Futureshop.ca also hosts an online community forum and tech blog called Tech Yeah for technology beginners and tech-savvy experts to exchange ideas, reviews, tips and other consumer electronics information (www.futureshop.ca/techyeah). As a proud corporate citizen, Future Shop has developed solutions to recycle used electronics and is committed to employee volunteerism and supporting non-profit organizations dedicated to transforming local youth into Future Leaders (see www.futureshop.ca/futuregeneration).

SOURCE: Future Shop

Media contact:
Elliott Chun, Communications Manager │Future Shop│[email protected]│604.412.1764
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