Canadians turning to technology for holiday shopping

Fifty-five per cent of Canadian consumers plan to purchase products online this holiday season, according to a new Angus Reid poll. 

The poll, commissioned by Federal Express Canada, reports a significant shift to e-commerce, an increase of 10 per cent over last year, as Canadians opt to 'click-and-ship' and avoid busing parking lots and long check out lines. 

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"With the availability of most major retailers now online, more and more Canadians are choosing to browse, shop online and ship this holiday season," said Brie Carere, vice president of marketing, customer experience, and corporate communications for FedEx Express Canada. "The holiday season is busy, and a lot of us will leave our shopping to the last moment when stores are overcrowded, so online shopping and fast shipping helps take the hassle out that hectic end-of-year rush."

Trends emerging from the poll showed that: 

• Consumers in Alberta (70%), British Columbia (67%) and Atlantic Canada (63%) are the most likely among Canadians to shop online. 
• Men (57%) are slightly more likely to shop online than women (53%)
• Consumers aged 18-34 are most likely to shop online (73%)
• Consumers who earn over $100,000 are more likely to shop online (75%)