Multi-channel retailers allow consumers to purchase online and in physical stores.

The award recognizes the complementary nature of all retail channels and will go to the retailer that has most effectively integrated its online channel into their overall retail business to provide the best customer experience.

Entrants must demonstrate:

• how they integrate online and mobile commerce channels into its overall retail business, such as through click and collect, text notification for delivery, in-store kiosks for ordering out-of-stock items, etc.;
• how they use multiple channels to improve the e-commerce experience for customers; and
• how they are using e-commerce to benefit their broader business.

The judges will look for entrants that:

• are truly committed to both e-commerce and physical retail channels;
• demonstrate commitment to the evolution of both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce as part of a comprehensive retail strategy;
• constantly strive for customer service excellence; and
• use e-commerce to benefit its overall business objectives.

Large entrants must have more than $5 million in gross annual Canadian sales, sell directly online to Canadians and operate at least one physical store in Canada.

Small entrants must have less than $5 million in gross annual Canadian sales, sell directly online to Canadians and operate at least one physical store in Canada.

The award recognizes e-commerce performance and will go to the e-tailer that provides the best overall online shopping experience. These e-tailers are using best-practices to deliver excellence in the overall shopper experience.

Entrants must demonstrate that they provide:

• a great user experience when shopping—including website design, usability and navigation;
• excellent customer care and communication;
• best-practice payment options and security; and
• customer satisfaction with order fulfillment and returns management.

The judges will also be looking for proof that the entrant is committed to online retail through demonstrated market leadership.

Large entrants must be online retailers, with a Canadian website, whose only source of revenue is Internet sales and who have sent out more than 25,000 individual shipments within the last 12 months.

Small entrants must be online retailers, with a Canadian website, whose only source of revenue is Internet sales and who have sent out fewer than 25,000 individual shipments within the last 12 months.

The award recognizes innovation in e-commerce and will go to the retailer that best demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness in the development and advancement of e-commerce solutions or features for the benefit of online shoppers. To be eligible for this award, a company need not have an e-commerce solution that is best in class overall. Companies are encouraged to apply if their e-commerce solution, in whole or in part, offers customers an innovative online shopping experience.

For example, evidence of innovation can be:

• a new business model or product offering that is only possible through e-commerce;
• a new way of integrating physical and online channels;
• a new application or process that enables e-commerce and adds value to the online or multi-channel shopping experience; or
• a new customer experience (including novel merchandizing or marketing) enabled through e-commerce.

The judges will be looking for unique or groundbreaking ideas that were executed with excellence.

Large entrants must either be online retailers, with a Canadian website, whose only source of revenue is Internet sales and who have sent out more than 25,000 individual shipments within the last 12 months or be multi-channel retailers that have more than $5 million in gross annual Canadian sales, sell directly online to Canadians and operate at least one physical store in Canada.

Small entrants must either be online retailers, with a Canadian website, whose only source of revenue is Internet sales and who have sent out fewer than 25,000 individual shipments within the last 12 months or be multi-channel retailers have less than $5 million in gross annual Canadian sales, sell directly online to Canadians and operate at least one physical store in Canada.

To be chosen by Canadians in an online voting poll!

Prizing – one winner only

If the winner is a large retailer, they will receive:
$100,000 in parcel shipping
$50,000 in direct marketing
$40,000 marketing prize package*

If the winner is a small retailer, they will receive:
$25,000 in parcel shipping
$20,000 in direct marketing
$40,000 marketing prize package*

Let the people choose!

From all of the submissions received, the judges will select five finalists for each award category. The five finalists in each category will automatically be entered into the Consumer Champion category. Canada Post will announce the Consumer Champion finalists on Monday, August 26, 2013, and invite Canadians to vote online for their favourite. The company with the most votes from the online voting poll will be declared the winner. Voting closes at noon (ET) on Friday, September 20, 2013. The winner will be revealed at the Awards gala on September 25, 2013.

Your customers can vote as often as they like. All you, the entrants, have to do is encourage your customers to vote once the poll opens. This is your chance to demonstrate that you have a loyal following of customers who rate your company head-and-shoulders above the rest.