Still Wondering if Your Retail Business Should be Selling Online?

Posted Jul 15 '20; Updated Nov 1, '24

Every passing year sees more Canadians choosing to do the majority of their shopping online. In 2019, retail eCommerce sales grew by nearly 8% over the previous year’s numbers. Though the rate of growth was expected to be smaller from 2021 through 2024, brands who sell products online  continued to be a key aspect of consumer life.

The trend of Canadians increasingly opting for online shopping has continued to strengthen. In 2023, retail e-commerce sales in Canada reached nearly 110 billion Canadian dollars, reflecting a significant rise from previous years. Projections indicate that by 2027, these sales will surpass 151 billion Canadian dollars, showcasing the growing importance of online retail in consumers' lives. While the annual growth rate has moderated compared to the early pandemic surge, the consistent upward trajectory highlights the enduring role of e-commerce in the Canadian retail landscape.

If you’re looking to add online selling to your business model, an Edmonton website design company can help you build a site that proves your brand’s value to customers. Contact us to learn more!

Why Sell Products Online? 

Even if you use an online site like Amazon, having your own online store helps build brand equity and customer lifetime value. For example, in Canada, shoppers head to category specific online sellers in the furniture, electronics, and automotive sectors. While Amazon may be the go-to source for product details and reviews, many shoppers then head to the seller’s individual website.  

Another important consideration, particularly for smaller suppliers, is they have no real bargaining power with Amazon and are forced to follow whatever terms and conditions the online retail giant sets. This makes investing in your own eCommerce website design becomes very appealing. 

4 Reasons to Embrace eCommerce Website Design

The good news is it has never been easier for companies of all sizes to start selling products online. Here are the top key advantages to including an eCommerce option in your new web design. 

Lower operating costs.

While there are initial costs related to website design and maintenance, one of greatest benefits of eCommerce is the lowered costs, some of which can be passed on to customers in the form of lower prices. Organic search engine traffic, pay-per-click (PPC), and social media traffic are all costs-effective marketing channels. Retailers who forego a physical location and move 100% online can save even more if they have an effective marketing strategy. 

Expanded reach.

 It’s not unusual for customers to follow a link and land on a website they never knew existed, especially if it’s located outside their immediate area. eCommerce lets your business reach beyond the local community to interested buyers in other cities, states, and even countries.  

Track buying habits.

Giving people what they want not only lets you satisfy their needs and build better relationships; it also helps you improve the entire customer experience. For instance, by tracking which product pages your customers most frequently visit you can continually optimize your online store (and boost sales in your physical location). 

Create a market for niche products.

 Sellers and buyers of niche products and services often find it difficult to locate each other. Selling online lets you reach far more people who are searching for what you offer.  

Get Selling Online With eCommerce Web Design 

Convinced your business might benefit from the wonders of eCommerce website design? Smart WSI Marketing is an Edmonton digital marketing agency offering a full range of online marketing strategies including eCommerce web design. Contact us today for a consultation!

Lynne Motkoski, Marketing Strategist

Specialty: Online Marketing Strategies
Education: MA Communications & Technology, BComm [U Alberta]
Author: The Online Marketing Handbook for Busy Entrepreneurs (coming soon)

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Lynne is known for her strategic approach to marketing communications, technologies, and lead generation. She has a passion for education, keeping up with current marketing trends and practices, and helping clients keep ahead of their competition.

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