Canadians shopping online more according to Statistics Canada
© Statistics Canada

OTTAWA (AFP) - The increase reflected a larger volume of orders, from 49.4 million in 2005 to 69.9 million in 2007, said the government agency.

Not all online buyers participated equally, however.

The top 25 percent of online consumers who spent an average of 5,000 dollars (4,100 US) during 2007 were responsible for 46 percent of orders and 78 percent of the total dollar value.

Canadians shopped primarily for travel, books and magazines, concert tickets, clothing, jewelry and accessories.

Statistics Canada noted that for many Canadians, the Internet has become a supplement to traditional retail shopping more than a substitute.

©AFP