Statistics Canada is tracking and publishing value of retail e-commerce in Canada as a component of its monthly estimate of Canadian retail trade. This dataset is only now being developed and published statistics are only available at the national level. The obvious parallel in Canadian history is the Eaton’s catalogue that used rapidly expanding modern transportation technology (railroads) with significant public financial support to penetrate remote consumer markets at Canada’s frontier.

E-retail commerce in Canada’s established retail centers does add greater competitiveness to the local supply. Competitiveness’ focuses on price and selection. For Canada’s rural and remote northern communities e-retail commerce introduces real supply competition over the full range of products. For this reason it would be valuable to track and report the regional breakdown of value of retail e-commerce after all Canada’s large urban centers are already well served and retail trends are valuable but marginal indicator of economic well-being. In rural and remote Canada the extension of retail-commerce is nation building in the same sense that Eaton’s catalogue strengthened ties of remote Canada to Canada. See Figure 1.

Mark Twain beat me to it: “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often Rhymes.”

From ChatGPT:

Eaton’s catalogue played a significant role in shaping consumer culture and commerce in rural Canada throughout much of the 20th century. Here’s a brief overview of its history and its effects:

History:

1. Founding: Eaton’s was founded by Timothy Eaton in 1869 in Toronto, Ontario. Initially, it was a small dry goods store, but it rapidly expanded.

2. Mail Order Catalogue: In 1884, Eaton’s released its first mail-order catalogue, which revolutionized shopping for Canadians, especially those in rural areas. The catalogue was filled with a wide range of products, from clothing to household goods to farm equipment.

3. Expansion: Eaton’s catalogue business grew rapidly, aided by the expansion of the Canadian railway system, which facilitated efficient delivery of goods to even the most remote areas.

4. Innovations: Eaton’s was innovative in its marketing and distribution methods. They offered installment payment plans, which made purchases more affordable for rural families. They also provided a satisfaction guarantee, which built trust with customers.

5. Decline and Closure: Despite its historical success, Eaton’s faced challenges in the latter half of the 20th century. The rise of suburban shopping malls, changing consumer preferences, and mismanagement led to the decline of the company. Eaton’s declared bankruptcy in 1999, and its stores were gradually closed.

Effects:

1. Accessibility: The Eaton’s catalogue made a wide variety of goods accessible to Canadians living in rural areas who may not have had access to brick-and-mortar stores. This helped to bridge the gap between urban and rural consumers.

2. Standard of Living: By providing access to a diverse range of products, Eaton’s catalogue contributed to improving the standard of living for rural Canadians. It allowed them to purchase modern conveniences and necessities without having to travel long distances.

3. Community Impact: Eaton’s catalogues became more than just shopping guides; they were often shared among neighbors and passed down through generations. This created a sense of community and camaraderie among rural residents.

4. Cultural Influence: Eaton’s catalogue played a role in shaping Canadian culture by influencing fashion trends, household goods preferences, and even recreational activities. It provided a window into the broader world of consumer culture for Canadians across the country.

5. Economic Impact: The accessibility of Eaton’s catalogue boosted the rural economy by providing a market for local products, as well as creating job opportunities in transportation and delivery services.

In summary, Eaton’s catalogue had a profound impact on rural Canada, transforming shopping habits, improving standards of living, fostering community connections, and influencing Canadian culture. Its legacy continues to be felt, even after the closure of the company’s stores.