Gen Z Driving Canada’s “Returns Economy” this Holiday Season

One in Six Canadians Expected to Return Gifts After the Holidays

MISSISSAUGA, ON–Canadian Gen Z’s are taking things into their own hands this holiday season, with 21 per cent admitting to typically returning some of their holiday gifts – nearly double the amount of Boomers who report returning gifts (11 per cent). These results come from the 2019 FedEx Returns Economy Survey, a poll conducted on behalf of FedEx Express Canada, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp.

The survey, which explored the ‘returns economy’ and Canadian consumer habits for returning and regifting after the holidays, also uncovered which family members’ gifts were most likely to get returned. Overall, one in six Canadians surveyed report returning holiday gifts in a typical year. Of those that return gifts, 36 per cent report that they are most likely to return gifts from their mothers. That number is even higher amongst men, with 46 per cent reporting that they are most likely to return gifts from their mothers (compared to 30 per cent of women).

*Based on responses from Canadians who said they typically return gifts

Sixty per cent of Canadians surveyed feel that online shopping is the fastest and most efficient way to shop for gifts. However, the gift giving experience does not always end once the wrapping comes off. That is why FedEx offers Canadian e-tailers easy and efficient return solutions, such as pre-printed return labels and convenient retail locations, so the experience of giving and (if needed), exchanging gifts is done seamlessly.

“E-commerce and the increased flexibility it offers Canadian consumers continues to impact Canadian holiday shopping behaviours from gift purchase through to returns, as Canadians are now more than ever able to return gifts as easily as they can purchase them,” said Lisa Lisson, FedEx Express Canada President.

Regifting also on the rise

Beyond returns, Canadians are also turning to regifting as a solution to getting rid of unwanted gifts with a quarter (24 per cent) of Canadians admitting to regifting holiday gifts in a typical year.

“Gen Zs are undeniably driving gift-return behaviours in Canada. In fact, our survey found that 52 per cent of Gen Zs have returned gifts for cash back or store credit. This generation will continue to contribute to a greater proportion of buyer control. For Canadian businesses, incorporating an effective returns solution is critical to ensuring positive customer experiences,” said Lisson.

For more information on the survey or about shipping with FedEx this holiday season visit: www.fedex.ca/holidays

About the survey
This poll was conducted by Edelman in partnership with Logit Group on behalf of FedEx between Sept. 20 and Sept. 25 on a sample of 1,502 Canadian consumers above the age of 18. The interviews were conducted online, and respondents were sourced using online panels. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points.

About FedEx Corp.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $69 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 490,000 team members to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. To learn more about how FedEx connects people and possibilities around the world, please visit about.fedex.com.