PwC Canada has released their 2017 Holiday Outlook, which predicts Canadians will spend on average $1507 this holiday season, with 80 per cent of Canadians set to spend the same or more as last year.
“Canadians are optimistic about the positive economic outlook and are confident about their spending habits. We can expect the biggest spending increase to come from Generation Z and millennial parents,” says Sonia Boisvert, Partner and National Retail and Consumer Leader at PwC Canada, in a press release.
The report predicts the bulk of money spent will be on travel and gifts, with the remainder on entertainment. Canadians will do 62 per cent of their shopping in stores, while the rest will be done online. Amazon.ca is the top online choice for 77 per cent of Canadians, a huge lead over other online retailers such as Best Buy, Walmart, Indigo and even Apple.
When it comes to delivery times, Canadians expect free shipping, with products to arrive in three to five business days as an acceptable time frame.
The report also touched on social networks, to note Facebook was the most influential (47%), followed by YouTube (29%) and Pinterest (26%). If a product is flogged by a social media influencer, Canadians are more likely to make a purchase, versus sponsored ads by brands and corporations.
Which online retailer is your top pick for shopping during the holidays?
