Canada Post – Cyber Week deliveries rise
Ottawa, Canada – The U.S. retail tradition of ‘Cyber Week’ is spreading north. New data based on parcel volumes compiled by Canadian mail service Canada Post show that e-commerce shipments as a result of Cyber Week this year have doubled since 2012.
Originally derived from the American tradition of Black Friday discount shopping, Cyber Monday in Canada is increasingly influencing Canadian holiday shopping behaviors. Canada Post parcel volumes based on online shopping activity between late November and early December show that parcel delivery orders jumped 59% during the week of Black Friday/Cyber Monday compared to the previous week.
Consumer electronics continue to be a popular category for Cyber Week shoppers. Compared to the week before, consumer electronics parcel delivery jumped threefold. Overall, mass merchant retailers and fashion online retailers represent almost 50% of e-commerce shipments at Canada Post. During Cyber Week, parcel volumes resulting from online orders with fashion retailers and mass merchants increased by 37 and 35% from the prior year, while books, music and videos suffered a 16% decline.
"It appears many consumers delayed their holiday purchases in anticipation of retail discounts and promotions," said Rod Hart, general manager, parcels and e-commerce market development. "Compared to just two years ago, Canadian retailers have established a stronger online presence and offering for Canadian consumers. And the resulting parcel orders speak volumes."