Sensormatic Solutions released the results of its 2020 Canadian Holiday Consumer Survey of more than 1,000 Canadian consumers. A key finding revealed that over half of respondents (57%) will have started their holiday shopping before December arrives, with 22% starting in October and 35% planning to begin in November.
Other key findings include:
- 48% of respondents plan on shopping in-store this holiday season.
- 68% of respondents plan on using buy online, ship to home this holiday season.
- 26% of respondents plan on using fulfillment services like buy online, pickup in-store (BOPIS) and 21% plan on using buy online, curbside pickup this holiday season.
“The impact of COVID-19 continues to affect how and where consumers shop,” said Kim Melvin, global leader of marketing for Sensormatic Solutions. “Despite these changes, many Canadian consumers are still planning to shop in-store this holiday season. In fact, our surveys show that nearly half (48%) of Canadian consumers plan on shopping in-store this holiday season compared to 39% of US consumers. To optimize the in-store experience, it’s critical for retailers to properly prepare their stores to capitalize and make the most out of every customer visit. This includes not only providing a safe environment, but also adding compelling product displays and easy navigation throughout the stores to allow for easy product browsing.”
The ability to see, touch, and feel products motivates in-store visits
The availability of product and its visual presentation will be this year’s keys to success for brick-and-mortar stores. According to respondents, the top reason for shopping in-store is to browse for gift ideas (38%), followed by the ability to touch and see products in-person before buying (35%). Only 5% of respondents are shopping in-store to get advice from sales associates.
Of those who will be shopping in-store:
- Over half of respondents (58%) plan on visiting enclosed malls followed by 57% will visit free standing stores or strip centers.
- More than a third (37%) plan to shop at open-air shopping centers and 36% will visit outlets.
Apparel, electronics, and gift cards among most popular gifts
Shoppers expect to spend significant portions of their holiday budget on apparel (69%), electronics (49%) and gift cards (45%). When asked how they plan on shopping for these items, respondents indicated they are more likely to shop in-store for gift cards (56%) and apparel (45%) and more likely to use buy online, ship to home for electronics (44%).
To learn how Sensormatic Solutions is supporting the retail industry’s urgent COVID-19 needs this holiday season, click here. For more Sensormatic Solutions’ holiday insights, follow along on Twitter, using #SensormaticHolidays2020.
Survey Methodology
Sensormatic Solutions collected responses from 1,000 Canada-based consumers, 18-years and older, via a third-party provider to determine findings of its 2020 Holiday Consumer Sentiment Survey. Responses were collected between October 15–16, 2020.
