British Columbians plan to spend more money online ($251) for back-to-school shopping than the national average ($240), according to a Visa Canada survey.
But overall, B.C. residents plan to spend less money on back-to-school shopping ($362) than residents in any other province. The national average for back-to-school shopping is $404.
Many shoppers plan to take advantage of the Canadian dollar’s valaue (US$1.04) by shopping on U.S. websites.
Visa Canada’s survey found that more than one-third of all back-to-school shopping B.C. consumers plan to make (36%) will be via U.S. websites. That compares with a Canada-wide average of 27%.
“Forty-five per cent of those surveyed suggest the best way to stay stress- free when back-to-school shopping is to start early, and 27% said shopping online is the second-best way to keep the stress level low,” said Visa Canada spokeswoman Stephanie Wallat.
Glen Korstrom
Twitter: GlenKorstrom