Canada's online retailers invited to compete for $1 million in prizes - Canada Post E-commerce Innovation Awards celebrate talented sector

OTTAWA, April 30, 2013 /CNW/ - Canadian retailers that sell and ship to Canadian customers through the online channel are invited to compete to share $1 million worth of total prizing. Applications are now being received for the 2013 Canada Post E-commerce Innovation Awards.

The Awards offer game-changing rewards to Canadian e-merchants, whether they're retail giants or small start-ups, multi-channel or online-only e-tailers. Winners will receive lucrative shipping contracts worth up to $100,000, customized direct mail marketing packages—which include data and targeting solutions—as well as valuable marketing prizes.

By supporting online retailers, Canada Post is invigorating the wider e-commerce market in Canada and fostering an online retail space driven by creativity, vision and an exceptional customer experience.

"E-commerce in Canada is thriving," says René Desmarais, Senior Vice-President, Parcels at Canada Post. "Through these Awards, we want to enable our retailers to reach for even greater success, and help Canada compete in the global online marketplace."

A blue-ribbon panel of judges will determine the finalists for each category. The winners will be announced on September 25, 2013, at an evening gala held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Companies will compete in seven categories:

• Best Large Multi-channel Retailer
• Best Small Multi-channel Retailer
• Best Large E-tailer (online only)
• Best Small E-tailer (online only)
• Most Innovative Retailer (Large)
• Most Innovative Retailer (Small)
• Consumer Champion (determined through a public online poll)

Applications are open until July 2, 2013. Interested companies can find out more information and download an application at www.canadapost.ca/ecommerceawards.

SOURCE: Canada Post