Canadians Making More Planned Purchases for Father's Day

Walmart survey reveals Canadians are spending more time researching gift ideas

MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 14, 2013 /CNW/ - Walmart Canada today unveiled the results of a nationwide Father's Day shopping survey* conducted for the retailer by Research Management Group. The survey probes buying trends and shopping preferences across Canada.

According to this year's survey, shoppers are gradually becoming more astute shoppers and are making more and more planned purchase decisions.

"We continue to see an increasing number of customers doing research online," said Simon Rodrigue, vice president of eCommerce at Walmart Canada. "Compared to last year, 50 per cent more Father's Day shoppers are visiting Walmart.ca and they are spending more time on the site before choosing a gift for dad."

"Holidays like Mother's Day and Father's Day have traditionally been last-minute impulse shopping events for many Canadians, behaviour that has intensified as a consequence of today's hectic lifestyles," said Andy MacDonald, Partner, Research Management Group. "However, the emergence of the Internet and social media as shopping tools are quickly changing the way Canadians are planning for and making these purchases."

The following are highlights from the survey:

How many people are actually planning ahead?

• 49% of Canadians plan to shop for Father's Day this year, whereas 58 per cent shopped for Mother's Day
• 62% of Canadians have begun their Father's Day shopping

What gifts can dad expect?

• 39% will unwrap apparel or footwear
• 30% will open greeting cards
• 29% will be treated to a meal out
• 26% will get hardware and tools
• 26% will receive the gift of alcohol
• 22% will be given gift cards

How much are Canadians spending?

• Consumers plan on spending an average of $140 on Father's Day

Does virtual shopping trump the in-store experience?

• While close to a third of shoppers will purchase something online for Father's Day this year, the vast majority (84 per cent) of total Father's Day purchases will happen in-store

How will Canadians choose where to shop for Father's Day?

• 18% are driven by low prices
• 18% will choose based on what items are in stock
• 16% base the choice on selection and variety
• 11% are motivated by high-quality products

With Father's Day just around the corner, Walmart is Canada's one-stop shop for the occasion. For those fathers who like to tinker around the house, Walmart is excited to announce the return of the popular 45-piece Stubby Tool Set, available in stores now for $24.97. Other popular items this year include the Black & Decker 4500 LP Gas Grill ($398), the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 $199, the Philips PT860/20 PowerTouch Plus Shaver ($74.96) and the Wilson Polo ($14).

For additional product information or to find the store nearest you, visit Walmart.ca.

*Father's Day Trend Survey
Conducted by Research Management Group for Walmart Canada, the online survey of 736 shoppers has a margin of error is 3.6 per cent. Respondents were recruited from the AskingCanadians national panel to quotas representing primary household shoppers by region, gender and age to reflect the national profile. Note that like the primary household shopper profile the sample is 70 per cent female and 30 per cent male. Fieldwork timing was from May 27 and June 12, 2013.

About Walmart Canada
Walmart Canada operates a growing chain of 380 locations nationwide serving more than one million customers each day, as well as its flagship online store, www.walmart.ca, which is visited by over 250,000 Canadians daily. With 95,000 associates, Walmart Canada is one of Canada's largest employers and is recognized by Waterstone Human Capital as having one of Canada's top 10 corporate cultures. Walmart Canada is focused on helping Canadian families in need. Since 1994, Walmart has donated and raised more than $180 million to Canadian charities and not-for-profit organizations.  Additional company information can be found at walmartcanada.ca, facebook.com/walmartcanada and at twitter.com/@walmartcanada.

SOURCE: Walmart Canada