Retailers of all sizes are looking to grow their business during the crucial holiday season but need more help navigating the online shelf, according to a new survey conducted by Google Canada. Three quarters of Canadians (72%) say they will be conducting online research before buying holiday gifts this year, and name the web as their most influential source for holiday gift inspiration. In contrast, four in ten independent retailers say they won't be advertising online during the busiest retail period of the year.
While retailers recognize the value of digital and some have started to connect with their customers online, understanding how to make it work for their business – and impact the bottom line – is an ongoing challenge. The survey found that half of business owners (49%) want to use the Internet more to promote their business, but 'need more guidance and support.' To help these business owners get started online, Google Canada and Retail Council of Canada are today launching Retail Spark, a series of educational workshops and talks across the country.
Many small and independent retailers share that they have struggled to adapt to the modern consumer's shopping habits, which now includes hours of online product research before buying either online or in store. More than half (56%) say it is more difficult to be a small business today compared to 10 years ago, listing a range of reasons: the way customers shop has changed (37%), customers do more research before coming into store (28%) and the feeling that it is harder to reach customers (23%).
"The web has become central to how Canadians discover and decide on the things they buy during the holidays, from the latest tech toys to from to the perfect party dress," says Chris Hodgson, Head of Retail and Tech Sectors at Google Canada. "We know how hard small businesses work, and that the pace of technological change can be overwhelming. That's why we're working with Retail Council of Canada to help retailers of all sizes show up on the 'online shelf' this holiday season."
"The holidays are a crucial business period for our members and the retail industry. We're excited to work with Google Canada to continue to assist independent retailers to stay connected to their customers digitally," said Diane J. Brisebois, President and CEO, Retail Council of Canada. "With Canadians increasingly influenced by online and mobile sources – in advance of or during the shopping experience – those independent retailers that can tap into shoppers' digital journey will increase their competitiveness during the holiday season."
Other key findings from the research include:
- Canadians love to shop small: One third of Canadians (31%) say they intend to shop at independent retailers this holiday season.
- Canada is a nation of entrepreneurs: 64% of SMB respondents started their business on their own, as opposed to purchasing the business from a previous owner.
- Small businesses are missing from digital shelf: 61% of small retailers do not have an online presence.
- Traditional businesses feel the burden: Two-thirds of SMBs who rely on offline advertising only say it is harder to be a business owner today than a decade ago, 10 percent more than those SMBs who use online advertising in all or some of their marketing.
