The year 2020 – a world pandemic is upon us causing changes in all of our lives, impacting how we do our work, school and leisure activities. Throughout history with every world event there is an influential change, a driving force that changes how we do things. When once before we had a choice to shop at a brick-and-mortar store or to shop online, now we can only shop online. Even though the state we are in now will not last forever, it will have a permanent effect on how we shop for fashion. Some of us will have to let go of the desire to speak with a sales clerk, see the styles and colors in front of us, hold it to our face, and even try it on. Others are comfortable with growing up through the use of technology to purchase items online. Currently all generations are learning to accept online shopping as the new norm and are becoming experts or at least more comfortable with this way of purchasing fashion. The E-commerce industry was already making a steady climb in its utilization but now even more since the pandemic. In fact there is a growing list of “must haves” when it comes to the consumers perspective in terms of what they want in an online shopping site.
What Shoppers Want In An E-Commerce Experience
I have come up with a list of key features that successful websites have to support consumers preferences that drive their desires to shop on their sites. Although these features can not replace the ability of the consumer to touch and feel their fashion, it can enhance their comfort and trust to purchase from online stores.
- Sense of belonging
- Easy to navigate website
- Answer questions – chatbots
- Information on products – pictures, videos and descriptions
- Reviews by other customers
- Easy checkout
- Easy return policies
Aside from the key features above, if you want to learn more about tips to address your concerns with trust and safety with shopping online have a look at “The Ultimate Guide to Online Shopping” by Catherine Alford.
Online Stores – Canada
Unfortunately Canadians are still limited in where to shop online if you want to avoid extra costs. Even though some big US stores have made it easier for Canadians to shop online there are still only a select few. There is also still the added cost through duty and taxes when purchasing outside of Canada. There are however a few online stores that meet Canadians needs as online consumers.
Amazon – Amazon sells a variety of fashion items. Shipping is free for orders over $35 or if you are a member of Amazon Prime (monthly charge of $7.99) if the item is shipped by Amazon. They have a lot of 3rd party sellers who ship their own product (or drop-ship from elsewhere) so be sure to check each item – if it doesn’t say “Shipped by Amazon” you’ll know it might cost extra for shipping or take more time. As well there may be a different return policy.
Anthropologie – This is an American clothing retailer with over 200 stores worldwide, offering an assortment of clothing, and is part of URBN brands, which includes Urban Outfitters, Free People, BHLDN, and Terrain. Prices in US$. Anthroperks members enjoy free shipping for orders over $150. Email confirmation once item is shipped. Due to Covid 19, free mail returns for online orders up to 60 days since date of shipping. Refunds offered minus duties and taxes for Canadians.
Aritzia – This is a Canadian women’s fashion brand founded in 1984 in Vancouver, B.C. It primarily sells in-house brands, such as Wilfred, Wilfred Free, Le Fou by Wilfred, TNA, Golden by TNA, Babaton, The Group by Babaton. Although it touts luxury fashion, its aim is the mainstream customer. There are shipping charges for orders within North America. Once you place an order you will receive an email confirmation with shipping number. Extended returns to a full refund within 30 days of the shipping date.
Boutique 1861– Inspired by the Marie Antoinette era, clothes are feminine and romantic with a vintage feel. Online store launched in 2013. Free shipping for orders over $49 to Canada and US. International orders cost $50 and are subject to other duties and costs. Extended return period of 45 days. Shipping fees are yours to pay on returns.
H&M – Fast fashion and affordable with conscious efforts to be kind to the environment. Yearly they collect tonnes of textiles for reuse and recycling through their garment collecting initiative. Free standard delivery on items over $50 and for items below this price $7.99 will be applied to shipping and handling. You will be provided an email with shipping and tracking number. There will be delays in delivery time due to the pandemic. Extended return policies from 30 days to 90 days.
Hudson’s Bay – It is a full-line department store that carries everything from casual to high end fashion. Shipping is free for orders over $49 for Hudson Bay credit card users and free for general orders over $99. Easy 30 day returns with shipping back to warehouse with a cost associated or return in person to any of their 89 stores once they open.
Lululemon– Also a Canadian store founded in 1998 in Vancouver, B.C. Its main market is athletic wear – they started with yoga attire but now have expanded to running and any sweat producing workout. Shipping is Free! Returns accepted within 30 days of shipping date. Currently no shipping charges for returned items but subject to change.
Net-a-Porter– Designer fashion. Fashion Consultants available to give advice. Shipping costs dependent upon Country of delivery. In Canada there is $20 shipping charge. Promise to refund duties and taxes if items label is “made in USA” but you have to contact customer service. Free return policy for orders through Premier service otherwise there is a charge for returns depending upon shipping company used.
Nordstrom – Recently launched its e-commerce store in Canada. This full-line department offers a full array of fashion from leisure/casual wear to high end fashion. Free standard shipping and returns in Canada and US.
Zara Canada – This is a trendy fashion retailer with classic items as well at generally affordable prices. Prices are in Canadian dollars. Standard delivery is free for 1-5 business days. For same day delivery in Toronto or express delivery orders cost $9.95. Returns extended to 30 days from when stores reopen.
Now more than ever this is a good time for all of us to consider shopping online through local business to support them and help them through this crisis. More and more local fashion boutiques are launching E-commerce sites or offering purchases through online so it might be a good idea to check with your favorite local boutique. This is a good food-for-thought read by Cam Wolf “What You Need to Know About Shopping Online During the Coronavirus Crisis.”
The Extra $ With Using E-Commerce as a Canadian
Although the above list of Canadian E-commerce stores provide Canadians with several options and choices the desire still exists to purchase items from other countries. There are limitations to putting orders through international E-commerce sites. There will be added costs of duties and sales taxes, extra cost to return items or may not have the option to return the item. It is important to read the fine print in their Shipping and Return policies. Check out this article by Sarah Laing “How to Avoid Forking Over All your Cash to Import Duties.”
Be sure to share with me your experience with shopping online. What are your favorite Ecommerce sites and what do you like about them?
