Many major Canadian eCommerce sites have reported higher then expected holiday sales. Etailers across the web accounted holiday sales increased between 20-30 percent.
In 2006, Canadians spent approximately $8 billion online, that value is expected to double to $16 billion by 2009. Majority of Canadians are still using the web as a research medium, however this is quickly changing as more of us are using the Internet to buy and sell products. According to eMarketer, by 2009, 3 out of 4 adults will become online buyers.
On Wednesday December 13th, our US counterparts hit a new single-day spending record for the fourth time this year of $667 million, according to comScore Networks. It is estimated that the US 2006 holiday season will reach over $19 billion – that’s a 25% increase compared to 2005!
Even though Canadians are world leaders in broadband usage, time spent online and purchasing services like travel and event tickets, only 38% of Canadians where projected to do their shopping online, according to a recent study. Compared to 46% in the US. The Canadian Speaks survey also found those wanting to buy online gifts do so because it is less of a hassle or they’re looking for online deals.
Clearly there are many potential opportunities that lay ahead for Canadian etailers. This is a good time for eCommerce sites to reflect on how their site did for the year. Reviewing your website statistics/analytic tools to look for trends, opportunities and threats could reveal insights for the coming year. Work with your website solutions company on your findings to help improve shopping conversions.
