CANADIAN retailers are struggling with higher shipping costs as couriers tack hefty fuel surcharges onto shipping rates to recoup record gas prices, reports The canadian Press.
The additional charge is sending the cost of shipping goods within Canada higher, topping 40 per cent for some carriers.
For stores with high online return rates, such as apparel and footwear companies, the increased cost of shipping can be especially challenging.
So far, most companies are trying to absorb the extra domestic shipping charges, Retail Council of Canada spokeswoman Michelle Wasylyshen said.
With inflation squeezing consumers and an ongoing battle for online dollars, she said retailers are reluctant to pass on costs.
'Retail is one of the most competitive industries in Canada, so raising minimum free shipping thresholds or adding surcharges to consumers directly is often done as a last resort,' she said.
'Retailers would prefer to find savings elsewhere.'
Higher domestic shipping costs come as international freight costs finally begin to stabilise.
'The idea of ever being in equilibrium around fuel prices or containers or what's happening with worldwide supply chains is long gone,' said Indigo Books & Music president Peter Ruis.
SeaNews Turkey
The additional charge is sending the cost of shipping goods within Canada higher, topping 40 per cent for some carriers.
For stores with high online return rates, such as apparel and footwear companies, the increased cost of shipping can be especially challenging.
So far, most companies are trying to absorb the extra domestic shipping charges, Retail Council of Canada spokeswoman Michelle Wasylyshen said.
With inflation squeezing consumers and an ongoing battle for online dollars, she said retailers are reluctant to pass on costs.
'Retail is one of the most competitive industries in Canada, so raising minimum free shipping thresholds or adding surcharges to consumers directly is often done as a last resort,' she said.
'Retailers would prefer to find savings elsewhere.'
Higher domestic shipping costs come as international freight costs finally begin to stabilise.
'The idea of ever being in equilibrium around fuel prices or containers or what's happening with worldwide supply chains is long gone,' said Indigo Books & Music president Peter Ruis.
SeaNews Turkey
