Canada's Internet Factbook highlights importance of online presence for Canadian retailers

OTTAWA, Nov. 23, 2017 /CNW/ -  As the busiest shopping season of the year approaches, Canada's Internet Factbook 2017 provides a snapshot of the ecommerce trends across the country.

While the dominance of online shopping continues, some interesting trends are emerging that Canadian retailers must consider in their ecommerce offerings to consumers.

Key Facts

• 82 per cent of Canadians have made an online purchase in the last 12 months.
• 4-in-10 Canadians prefer to shop online rather than in-person in a store.
• Use of a mobile phone to purchase items online has tripled (from 12 per cent to 36 per cent) since 2014.
• 20 per cent of Canadians use a mobile payment system or digital wallet service.
• 79 per cent of Canadians compare prices online before making a major purchase

Executive quotes
"Part of our role in building a better online Canada includes providing Canadian businesses with the data and insights they need to leverage the power of the internet. Canada's Internet Factbook provides a snapshot of the state of ecommerce in this country, and the ways in which Canadians are shifting their consumption habits."

? Byron Holland, president & CEO, CIRA

"The pace of change in retail is accelerating. The internet remains the driving force. We see trends that indicate that Canadians are looking to digital technologies to enhance both their online and in-store experiences."

? David Fowler, vice-president, marketing and communications, CIRA

Additional resources

Canada's Internet Factbook can be accessed online at internetfactbook.ca.

About CIRA

The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) manages the .CA top-level domain on behalf of all Canadians. A Member-based organization, CIRA also develops and implements policies that support Canada's Internet community, and represents the .CA registry internationally.

SOURCE Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA)