UPS Study: Canadian Online Shoppers Looking for Choice, Control and Convenience

• Satisfaction with online shopping significantly higher than in-store experience (77 per cent vs. 59 per cent)
• 40 per cent of online shoppers in Canada are searching on one channel and purchasing via another, highlighting importance of both on-line and in-store experiences
• 83 per cent of Canadian shoppers made an online purchase from an international retailer
• 57 per cent of online shoppers in Canada are interested in shipping to alternate delivery locations with extended hours for reduced fees
• Behavioural shifts driven by desire for unique products and competitive prices

MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 11, 2018 /CNW/ - (NYSE:UPS) Eighty-three per cent of Canadian shoppers made an online purchase from an international retailer, indicating a need for competitive prices and priority international shipping, according to a recent UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper™ study.

While online shoppers still find value in shopping at physical stores, higher prices and lack of product availability are driving Canadians to shop internationally, more so than all the other countries surveyed.

The study, which is based on a comScore survey of more than 18,000 online shoppers worldwide, evaluates consumer shopping habits from pre-purchase to post-delivery. Conducted in Q1, Q2 and Q3 2017, it highlights areas of the shopping experience that have remained constant, areas that have shown significant growth and areas that may play a role in the future, including technology driven by the use of robots and chatbots.

While using a single channel is the preferred purchase method for 60 per cent of Canadians, four out of 10 online shoppers in Canada are searching on one channel and purchasing via another, highlighting the importance of both the online and in-store experiences.

Consumers also expect quick fulfillment of online orders and speedy delivery. Sixty-three per cent of online shoppers believe orders placed by 12 p.m. should qualify for delivery the same day and 61 per cent expect orders placed by five p.m. to qualify for delivery the next day. Despite these expectations, online shoppers in Canada are the least likely to pay for premium shipping options, including same-day, next-day and two-day shipping.

While an equal number of Canadians (64 per cent) have shipped back an item to the retailer versus returning it to a physical store, 51 per cent indicated they found it easier to return online.

"As the e-commerce momentum continues to build, online retailers are beginning to realize the importance of building reverse logistics into their business model," says Gordon Reed, director, industrial engineering, UPS Canada. "Ease of use and free returns are the driving factors why consumers are increasingly making the shift to ship returns more often versus taking them back to the store."

Although Canadian shoppers have become increasingly mobile driven, smartphones are mainly used as a research and purchasing tool. Seventy-three per cent of shoppers use their smartphone to read product details and 41 per cent use their phones to make purchases.

While the role of technology in retail is growing, 53 per cent of Canadians still prefer interacting with a person in a retail store. Thirty-six per cent would not like dealing with a robot because of the impersonal nature of the interaction. Retailers looking to retain customers and meet customer demands should work towards elevating the in-store experience while still empowering shoppers with the option to purchase online.

A strong indication that Canadians are looking for more convenience and control comes from the more than one million consumers who have signed up for UPS My Choice^® service, an online tool where users can re-route their packages, change delivery details or pay any outstanding fees using a mobile device. According to the study, 57 per cent of online shoppers in Canada are interested in shipping to alternative delivery locations. Consumers using UPS can re-route their packages to one of more than 1,100 UPS Access Point^® locations in Canada, like The UPS Store^® franchise locations and other neighbourhood businesses, including local dry cleaners, pharmacies and convenience stores with evening and weekend hours to accommodate consumer's busy schedules.

For more study findings, please download the UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper executive summary https://bit.ly/2H9JomZ.

About the UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper™
The UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper Study evaluates consumer shopping habits from pre-purchase to post-delivery. The 2018 study was fielded in Q1, Q2 and Q3 2017 and is based on a comScore survey of more than 18,000 online shoppers worldwide.

About UPS:
UPS (NYSE: UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including transporting packages and freight; facilitating international trade, and deploying advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the web at ups.com or pressroom.ups.com and its corporate blog can be found at longitudes.ups.com. To get UPS news direct, follow @UPS_Canada on Twitter.

About comScore
comScore is a leading cross-platform measurement company that measures audiences, brands and consumer behavior everywhere. comScore completed its merger with Rentrak Corporation in January 2016, to create the new model for a dynamic, cross-platform world. Built on precision and innovation, comScore's data footprint combines proprietary digital, TV and movie intelligence with vast demographic details to quantify consumers' multiscreen behavior at massive scale. This approach helps media companies monetize their complete audiences and allows marketers to reach these audiences more effectively. With more than 3,200 clients and a global footprint in more than 75 countries, comScore is delivering the future of measurement. Shares of comScore stock are currently traded on the OTC Market (OTC:SCOR). For more information on comScore, please visit comscore.com.

SOURCE UPS Canada Ltd.

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