E-Commerce Reality Check: Unveiling the True Impact of Online Sales in Canada

Every time we present this fact, we get the same reaction.

Disbelief!

A gasp!

So, let’s try it right here….. right now…… ready?

Here is the question:

What was the percentage of total online retail sales at the peak of the pandemic?

Most people guess upwards of 60%.
📊 The facts, as provided by StatsCan: 10%

So here is another one for you:
What is the current percentage of total Canadian retail sales attributed to online?

Most people once again guess upwards of 60%.
📊 The facts, as provided by StatsCan: 6%

I know it blows your mind because our perception is that in Canada, brick-and-mortar retail is dying because online sales have skyrocketed.

📌 It is important to make business decisions based on facts rather than our perceptions because they can be vastly different.

We help retailers understand what benchmarks are important and what they need to be watching.

During the pandemic, independent retailers sprung into offering online stores if they were not doing so already. Their nimbleness was impressive! And it is essential today. Because even if we are not buying online, we are browsing your shops, getting a feel for your story, determining if we want the in-person experience, and learning about your products.

🛍️ Many independent retailers feel their online sales should be higher, but if you are hitting the 6% marker, you are right within the norm. That fact alone relieves some overwhelm.

📈 This fact can also help you plan your human and financial resources too. Often, retailers spend too much time on their online store when their in-person store is delivering the majority of their sales.
What is the trend for online sales? Rates are higher in the US, as we would expect, and Europe is higher too, but Canada has not seen the same skyrocket.

📅 Stay tuned as we explore why this is and how you can leverage this to grow your business.

📞 Want to have a two-to-one coaching call on managing your online store while managing your bricks-and-mortar? Let’s do it!

🎤 Want us to be a guest speaker at your next BIA Chamber of Commerce meeting on this very topic? We’d love to!