Top B2C E-Commerce Marketplaces in Canada

Published on 11th Dec, 2024

The Canadian B2C e-commerce market is on a trajectory of remarkable growth, driven by the rising consumer demand for online shopping and increasing digital adoption. As more consumers turn to digital platforms for their shopping needs, Canada has emerged as one of the fastest-growing e-commerce markets in North America. With a projected revenue of $328.9 billion by 2030 and a CAGR of 9.1% from 2024 to 2030, Canada’s B2C e-commerce sector is a force to be reckoned with. 

The evolution of consumer behavior, driven by the convenience of online shopping and competitive marketplace offerings, has solidified Canada’s status as a key regional player. With leading marketplaces dominating the space, businesses have an unparalleled opportunity to connect with a diverse and growing customer base.

In this blog, we’ll explore what defines the B2C e-commerce marketplace and highlight the top B2C e-commerce marketplaces dominating the Canadian market. Read on to discover key insights into Canada’s thriving e-commerce landscape.

Defining B2C E-Commerce Marketplaces

Business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce marketplaces are digital platforms that facilitate direct transactions between businesses and individual consumers over the Internet. These platforms serve as virtual storefronts, enabling businesses to showcase and sell their products or services to a broad audience. 

B2C e-commerce marketplaces typically aggregate a diverse range of products and brands, offering everything from electronics and apparel to groceries and home goods. By eliminating geographical constraints and reducing traditional overhead costs, these platforms make shopping more accessible, efficient, and cost-effective for consumers. 

These platforms have become a cornerstone of the modern economy, driving significant growth in online retail by meeting evolving consumer expectations for speed, choice, and convenience. Canada’s robust digital infrastructure and high internet penetration have contributed to the rapid adoption of B2C e-commerce, making it a critical channel for businesses to expand their market reach.

Top Performing Canadian B2C E-commerce Marketplaces

Canada’s e-commerce market boasts a variety of platforms that cater to the diverse needs of its growing digital-savvy population. The following platforms are the most prominent B2C marketplaces shaping the Canadian e-commerce landscape:

1. Amazon (amazon.ca)

Since its launch in 2002 in Canada, Amazon has grown to become the leader in Canada’s e-commerce industry. The platform achieved remarkable e-commerce net sales of $12.5 billion in Canada, solidifying its position as the go-to platform for a diverse range of products, from electronics to everyday essentials. A key factor in Amazon’s success is its focus on convenience. With its Prime membership offering expedited shipping, exclusive deals, and access to digital content, the platform ensures customer retention and loyalty. Coupled with its robust fulfillment infrastructure, Amazon remains unmatched in scale and efficiency, setting the benchmark for e-commerce excellence in the country.  

• Launched In: 1994
• Business Model: Multi-vendor E-commerce
• Annual Revenue (Worldwide): $574.785 billion
• Total Visits: 208.1 million
• Country Rank: #4
• Category Rank: #1

2. Walmart (walmart.ca)

Walmart has firmly established itself as the second-largest e-commerce marketplace in Canada, with net sales of $5.2 billion in 2023. The Canadian online store caters to a broad customer base, offering competitive pricing across categories like groceries, household goods, and apparel, building on Walmart’s long-standing reputation for affordability and variety. The platform offers services like click-and-collect and same-day delivery, which add convenience for time-strapped consumers. Walmart’s emphasis on value, combined with a strong online presence, has helped it maintain a significant share of the Canadian e-commerce market.

• Launched In: 1962
• Business Model: Omnichannel Retail
• Annual Revenue (Worldwide): $661.56 billion
• Total Visits: 35.06 million
• Country Rank: #30
• Category Rank: #2

3. Costco (costco.ca)

Costco.ca has steadily risen to become the third-largest player in Canada’s e-commerce sector. Contributing significantly to its parent company’s overall fiscal revenue, Costco accounted for approximately $33.1 billion in 2023. Known for its membership-based model, Costco is synonymous with bulk purchasing and value-driven offerings, and this ethos translates seamlessly to its online platform. Costco’s competitive pricing and bulk discounts appeal to budget-conscious consumers, while its focus on quality builds long-term customer trust. Its consistent year-over-year growth reflects the growing consumer preference for value-packed bulk shopping, even in the digital age.  

• Launched In: 1983
• Business Model: Membership-only Retail 
• Annual Revenue (Worldwide): $250.05 billion
• Total Visits: 24.40 million
• Country Rank: #46
• Category Rank: #6

4. Canadian Tire (canadiantire.ca)

A homegrown brand with deep roots in the Canadian retail landscape, Canadiantire.ca operates exclusively in Canada and holds a special place in the hearts of Canadian consumers. As of 2024, the company reported a revenue of $12.07 billion (TTM), underpinned by its extensive product offerings and strong brand recognition.  Canadian Tire’s e-commerce platform is bolstered by a wide network of physical locations and a reputation for quality and reliability, making it a key player in the digital retail space. Its localized expertise and commitment to quality position it as a key competitor in the Canadian e-commerce space. 

• Launched In: 1922
• Business Model: Omnichannel Retail
• Total Visits: 24.8 million
• Country Rank: #48
• Category Rank: #7

5. eBay (ebay.ca)

As one of the world’s most recognized online marketplaces, eBay has carved out a distinct space in Canada’s e-commerce market. eBay provides consumers with opportunities to access items at competitive prices with its unique auction-based model alongside fixed-price listings. What sets eBay apart is its focus on enabling small businesses and individual sellers to reach a global audience. Additionally, eBay has introduced initiatives to enhance its appeal to Canadian consumers, including localized promotions and shipping options tailored to the domestic market. Its adaptability and wide reach continue to make it a leading choice for both casual shoppers and professional sellers. 

• Launched In: 1995
• Business Model: Online Auction Marketplace
• Annual Revenue (Worldwide): $10.28 billion
• Total Visits: 25.88 million
• Country Rank: #49
• Category Rank: #8

6. The Bay (thebay.ca)

Hudson’s Bay Company, one of Canada’s most iconic retailers, has transitioned its traditional retail legacy into the digital sphere with ‘The Bay’, its dedicated e-commerce marketplace. With global net sales of $440.8 million in 2023, The Bay’s e-commerce platform showcases a curated selection of fashion, beauty, and home goods that appeal to a sophisticated audience. The Bay caters to a more upscale demographic, offering a curated selection of products spanning fashion, home décor, beauty, and accessories. The platform emphasizes on quality and style, partnering with premium brands in order to attract discerning customers. Its strong heritage combined with a modern digital strategy, positions The Bay as a competitive player in the Canada’s e-commerce market.  

• Launched In: 2021
• Business Model: Hybrid Retail
• Total Visits: 4.45 million
• Traffic Share: 95.56%
• Estimated Revenue Per Employee: $181,250

7. Home Depot (homedepot.ca)

Home Depot has solidified its position as a leader in the home improvement segment, specializing in home improvement products, tools, and building materials. The company’s e-commerce platform, accessible to Canadian consumers, contributed to impressive global net sales of $2,260.7 million in 2023. The marketplace is designed to complement its physical stores, with features like real-time inventory checks, curbside pickup, and detailed product guides. Home Depot is a prime example of how traditional retail can effectively adapt to the demands of the digital age.

• Launched In: 1978
• Business Model: Home Improvement Retail
• Annual Revenue (Worldwide): $157.18 billion
• Total Visits: 25.94 million
• Country Rank: #47
• Industry Rank: #8

8. Newegg (newegg.ca)

Newegg has established itself as a trusted platform for Canadian consumers seeking electronics, computer hardware, and gaming products. With net sales of $87.7 million in 2023 Canada, Newegg caters to a niche audience of tech enthusiasts and professionals. The platform’s success lies in its deep understanding of its niche market. It offers detailed product specifications, expert reviews, and user ratings, ensuring customers can make informed purchasing decisions. Additionally, its competitive pricing, regular flash sales, and exclusive bundles appeal to cost-conscious consumers. Newegg’s commitment to delivering high-quality products and exceptional service ensures its continued relevance in the competitive e-commerce landscape. 

• Launched In: 2001
• Business Model: Electronics E-commerce
• Annual Revenue (Worldwide): $1.63 billion
• Traffic Share: 85.39%
• Category Rank: #18

9. Well.ca (well.ca)

Well.ca has established itself as a premier destination for wellness and care products in Canada. With net sales of $106.6 million in 2023, Well.ca has established its place in the Canadian e-commerce ecosystem by addressing a niche demand for quality care products.  The marketplace offers a wide range of products, including vitamins, personal care items, organic groceries, and baby essentials. Well.ca differentiates itself through its emphasis on quality, stocking trusted brands, and promoting sustainable practices. For businesses, partnering with Well.ca provides access to a niche audience that values health and sustainability. Thus, making it an ideal platform for brands in the wellness space.

• Launched In: 2008
• Business Model: Health Supplements Marketplace
• Traffic Share: 96.30%
• Total Visits: 2.523 million 

10. Shein (ca.shein)

Shein.ca, a Canadian extension of the global fast-fashion giant Shein, is a prominent e-commerce marketplace that caters to fashion-forward and cost-conscious shoppers. Known for its trendy and affordable apparel, Shein operates with a fast-fashion model that brings new collections to market rapidly. While its primary strength lies in fast-fashion apparel, Shein.ca also offers home decor, beauty products, and accessories, expanding its reach across multiple consumer categories. Shein’s strength lies in its ability to leverage data analytics to predict and respond to consumer preferences, ensuring that its offerings remain relevant. Its success demonstrates the importance of agility and customer-centricity in the B2C marketplace. 

• Launched In: 2008
• Business Model: Fashion & Apparel Marketplace
• Annual Revenue (Worldwide): $32.5 billion
• Traffic Share: 81.23%
• Industry Rank: #1

Build Your Own B2C Marketplace with Yo!Kart

Building a B2C marketplace from scratch can be a complex and resource-intensive process. Thus, for businesses aspiring to build their own B2C marketplace, Yo!Kart is an ideal choice. 

Yo!Kart is a white-label e-commerce marketplace software that simplifies the process of building a B2C marketplace tailored for businesses of all sizes. Designed to support multi-vendor operations, Yo!Kart offers robust features that enable entrepreneurs to launch and scale their online marketplaces effectively.  

10 Key Advantages of Yo!Kart:

1. 100% White Label
2. Self-hosted Solution
3. Source Code Ownership
4. Customizable Design
5. Multi-Vendor Support
6. Scalable Infrastructure
7. Advanced Analytics
8. Native Mobile Apps
9. Integrated Payment Gateways
10. Lifetime License with an Upfront Payment

How Yo!Kart Benefits Businesses:

• Time and Cost Efficiency: Yo!Kart’s readymade software reduces development time and costs compared to building a marketplace from scratch, reducing time to market.

• Enhanced User Experience: Intuitive interfaces and streamlined processes ensure a positive shopping experience for end-users.

• Ongoing Support: The platform offers one year of complimentary technical support post-purchase to ensure smooth functioning.

Yo!Kart’s capabilities empower businesses to compete with established players by offering cutting-edge technology and user-friendly features.

Wrapping Up

Canada’s e-commerce market is thriving, fueled by innovative platforms like Costco, Canadian Tire, Well.ca, Shein, and more that address distinct consumer needs and preferences. As the market evolves, businesses looking to enter the space must focus on providing value, convenience, and adaptability. Thus, by leveraging insights from top-performing platforms and utilizing advanced marketplace software like Yo!Kart, businesses can position themselves to thrive in Canada’s competitive e-commerce ecosystem. 

FAQs

Q1. What is the cost of building a B2C marketplace with Yo!Kart?

Ans. Yo!Kart offers a cost-effective solution for launching a B2C marketplace, with packages starting at $499. This provides a comprehensive marketplace ecosystem at a fraction of the cost of custom development.

Q2. Can I get source code ownership with Yo!Kart?

Ans. Yes, Yo!Kart grants lifetime ownership with full access to the source code, enabling businesses to customize their platform as needed. Note that this may incur additional costs. For detailed information, refer to our source code pricing.

Q3. Are there any installation costs associated with Yo!Kart?

Ans. No, Yo!Kart provides free installation services. Our team handles all installations at no additional cost, ensuring a seamless setup on your servers. 

Q4. Is Yo!Kart suitable for small businesses?

Ans. Absolutely. Yo!Kart is designed to support businesses of all sizes, including small businesses. It comes equipped with all essential features from the outset, ensuring a level playing field for businesses regardless of their scale.