Report: Amazon cancels Prime Day in Canada due to COVID-19 concerns

Canadian consumers will reportedly not be celebrating their own version of Amazon’s annual omnichannel sales extravaganza this year.

According to Daily Hive, an Amazon spokesperson confirmed that Prime Day will not take place in Canada in 2021.

“Due to the impact of COVID-19, we have decided to not move forward with Prime Day in Canada this year while we focus on the health and safety of our employees, customers and selling partners,” the spokesperson told the Daily Hive. Amazon partially closed three Canadian distribution centers in Ontario in May 2021, following positive COVID-19 tests among employees.

The official Amazon Prime Day page on Amazon’s Canadian site displays an animated image with the words “Prime Day will return” in large, boldface letters.

During 2020, Amazon postponed Prime Day in Canada from July to October due to concerns over COVID-19, as it did in the U.S. The e-tail giant held the 2021 version of Prime Day in the U.S. June 21-22. 

According to Adobe Digital Economy Index data, total U.S. online spend across all retailers surpassed $11 billion during the 48 hours of Prime Day (June 21-22). This includes $5.6 billion on day one and $5.4 billion on day two, representing 6.1% growth compared to $10.4 billion in total Prime Day 2020 online revenue. 

However, data from market intelligence platform Numerator showed orders per household during Prime Day 2021 (June 21-22) dropped to 2.8 from 2.9, while average order value fell 4% to $52.33 from $54.34. The average number of order units remained steady at 1.7, but spend per unit declined 6% to $30.39 from $32.47.