News releases

Canada Post e-commerce parcel shipments almost double in two years

Ottawa (Ont.) – Cyber Week and online shopping are rapidly becoming a Canadian holiday tradition. New data based on parcel volumes compiled by 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 behaviours. Canada Post parcel volumes based on online shopping activity between late November and early December suggest that Canadian shoppers were eagerly anticipating Cyber Week to begin their holiday shopping. In fact, parcel delivery orders jumped 59 per cent during the week of Black Friday/Cyber Monday compared to the previous week.

“It appears many consumers delayed their holiday purchases in anticipation of retail discounts and promotions,” says 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.”

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 per cent 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 per cent over last year, while books, music and videos suffered a 16-per-cent decline.

About Canada Post
Canada Post is a key enabler of e-commerce in Canada as the market-share leader in business-to-consumer delivery of parcels. By reaching 15.5 million addresses and operating the country’s largest retail network with more than 6,200 post offices, Canada Post is ideally positioned to offer affordable and reliable parcel services with convenient pickup and return options. Together, Canada Post, Purolator Inc. and SCI Logistics offer market-leading end-to-end solutions for e-commerce shippers by leveraging the assets and expertise of the Canada Post Group of Companies.