Canada the Second-Fastest-Growing Ecommerce Market Worldwide

(Press Release New York, NY) — Following nearly 10 years of double-digit growth, ecommerce sales in Canada surpassed 10% of total retail sales for the first time last year, reaching 12.7%. Since 2019, ecommerce sales have nearly doubled their share, reaching $64.51 billion this year.

The pandemic boosted Canada’s ecommerce market robustly in 2020 by 75.0%, making it the second-fastest-growing ecommerce market worldwide behind Argentina, at 100.6% growth.

“The shift to online shopping was slower to develop in Canada than other countries, notably the US, so there was plenty of room to grow,” said eMarketer principal analyst at Insider Intelligence Paul Briggs. “The pandemic forced retailers to sell more online, and consumers lapped it up. Retail ecommerce surged ahead last year and is now a primary growth driver of retail in Canada in 2021.”

In 2021, there were 24.2 million digital buyers in Canada. Digital buying includes buying on mobile devices, buying through social media, using click and collect, and engaging in cross-border commerce.

Ecommerce’s share of total retail will expand to 13.4% this year and reach 17.2% by the end of our forecast period in 2025.

Canadian Ecommerce Forecast to 2025

Source: eMarketer Canadian Ecommerce Forecast 2021

Despite last year’s decline, overall retail sales in Canada will increase 6.4% year over year to $481.40 billion, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. And it’s on track to surpass $500 billion next year.

Mobile ecommerce sales will account for CA$29.42 billion ($21.93 billion), equal to 34.0% of retail ecommerce. The increased availability of shopping apps and social commerce is driving mobile’s increased share.

Methodology

eMarketer’s forecasts and estimates are based on an analysis of quantitative and qualitative data from research firms, government agencies, media firms, and public companies, plus interviews with top executives at publishers, ad buyers, and agencies. Data is weighted based on methodology and soundness. Each eMarketer forecast fits within the larger matrix of all its forecasts, with the same assumptions and general framework used to project figures in a wide variety of areas. Regular reevaluation of available data means the forecasts reflect the latest business developments, technology trends, and economic changes.

About Insider Intelligence

Formed in 2020 from the combination of eMarketer and Business Insider Intelligence (BII), Insider Intelligence aims to be the world’s leading research service focused on digital transformation. Insider Intelligence enables thousands of global industry leaders to understand the critical trends and developments affecting their business in the short and long term. Each year, Insider Intelligence produces nearly 300 reports, 7,000 charts, 1,500 newsletters, and 200 forecasts across the Advertising & Marketing, Consumer Demographics, Social Media, Video, Mobile, Ecommerce & Retail, Telecoms & Technology, Financial Services, and Digital Health industries. Insider Intelligence is owned by European media giant Axel Springer S.E.

You may also be interested in reading:

The Pandemic Behaviour of Online Canadians (Infographic)
Data Reveals What’s Most Important to Online Canadian Consumers

——————————————

DISCLOSURE: We may receive compensation for links to products on this website. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Our content is provided for informational purposes only and does not guarantee results.

COMMENTS ARE MODERATED – Legitimate comments will be published after a short delay. Spam will not be published.

Melody McKinnon
Digital Business & Marketing Manager at Online Business Canada | Website | + posts

Melody McKinnon is an internet entrepreneur with 25 years of experience in a wide range of online business models, backed by a formal business education and enhanced by training and mentorship. She has owned or managed both educational and ecommerce websites. Her book, 7 Recession Proof Online Businesses to Start From Home, is available from all major ebook retailers.

Melody has worked with many businesses & brands in a multitude of capacities. She can often be found on CanadianDigitalMedia.com, CanadiansInternet.com, CanadianFamily.net, and AllNaturalPetCare.com, as well as other quality digital publications. Her content has earned reference links from highly-respected websites, magazines and university textbooks.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
1 Comment
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Walker

Having an online business is great for growth. We also running Canadian business for educational toys at best price with good quality