Department Stores in Canada - Industry Research Report

Shopping spree: Industry gains may be largely offset by increasing competition from e-commerce sites

Despite macroeconomic growth in recent years, revenue for Canadian department stores has declined in response to increased external competition from supercentres and e-commerce sites. Department stores sell a wide range of general merchandise, including apparel, cosmetics, home furnishings, appliances and toys. Supercentres offer similar merchandise, along with groceries. Consumers are increasingly opting to make purchases at supercentres because of the convenience of a one-stop shop for groceries, clothing and other merchandise. Revenue is expected to decline at a CAGR of 1.8% to $26.8 billion through the end of 2023, despite growth of 1.3% in 2023 alone.

The industry retails a broad range of general merchandise in one store, such as apparel, jewellery, cosmetics, home furnishings, general household products, toys, appliances and sporting goods. Discount department stores, which are also included in the industry, retail similar lines of goods at low prices. Big-box retailers and supercentres that offer fresh groceries in their stores and warehouse clubs that operate under membership programs, however, are not included in this industry.

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.