PayPal says more Canadians shopping online for groceries

PayPal is now available as a new payment option on Walmart.ca. PHOTO: PayPal Canada

TORONTO — PayPal says more Canadians are shopping online for groceries and essentials than ever before.

A survey commissioned by the online payment firm in early April shows that 30% of Canadians are shopping online for groceries.

Canadian consumers had already embraced online shopping before the COVID-19 pandemic, as 95% reported in early March (for a similar survey) that they had made an online purchase. Before the health crisis, online grocery shopping was less popular, with only 19% reporting engaging in the activity at the time.

The survey also found that since the outbreak, more Canadians have started to shop online for essential items like household supplies (41% increase) and toiletries (33% increase), as well as other items like entertainment, toys and games (18% increase).

The new research findings seem to mark a substantial shift in Canadians’ shopping behaviours. When asked if their online shopping habits would change in the coming months, the vast majority of respondents (81%) said they anticipate shopping online the same amount or more, and 44% said they expect to increase their online shopping.

In light of this increase in online shopping, PayPal announced it is now available as a new payment option on Walmart.ca

“In the current climate, we understand that shopping online for groceries and other everyday essentials is the need of the hour,” said Paul Parisi, PayPal Canada president, in a statement. “We are delighted to announce that now more than seven million active PayPal users across the country can use their digital wallet to shop online at Walmart.”

“We are proud to be the first Canadian retailer that sells groceries to offer PayPal, making online shopping more accessible for more Canadians,” said Alexis Lanternier, executive vice-president of eCommerce for Walmart Canada. “PayPal has a long-standing reputation as a safe and trusted payment provider and together, we’re helping Canadians shop for the products they need right now.”