What was our motivation behind the creation of Ocanova?

Ocanova was established to empower Canadian businesses and support the national economy by offering a streamlined, secure, and intuitive e-commerce platform. Its mission is to build a loyal customer base by aligning with Canadian values and the "buy local" movement, aiming to be the leading online destination for products made or sold by Canadian merchants.

The "buy local" movement in Canada has gained significant and potentially long-term momentum, driven by a blend of economic nationalism, a desire to support local communities, and a preference for Canadian-made goods perceived to be safe and of quality. 

Key Trends and Statistics

• High Consumer Priority: A vast majority of Canadians (91%) state they are prioritizing Canadian products when shopping. As of May 2025, 84% of Canadians said it was important to buy local products, a 12-point increase from 2024.

• Willingness to Pay a Premium: Many Canadians are willing to pay more for Canadian products. One poll found 70% would pay a significant premium for a Canadian product.

• Economic Impact: The movement has had a tangible effect, with small and medium-sized Canadian retailers reporting a 10% to 25% increase in sales. Every dollar spent locally helps strengthen the community tax base and supports domestic jobs.

• Shifting Behavior: Over 78% of Canadians have actively shifted at least one monthly purchase from a big-box or international retailer to a local Canadian business. This suggests a concrete change in shopping habits, not just a fleeting sentiment.

• Information Gap: Despite the strong desire to buy local, there is often confusion about which products and brands are truly Canadian. All products on Ocanova will be properly identified, whether they are Products of Canada, Made in Canada, or imported products.

Overall, the "buy local" movement is a powerful and potentially lasting force that is reshaping the Canadian retail landscape and influencing consumer choices across the country

Driven by this vision, our platform was established exclusively for Canadian businesses to engage with Canadian and international consumers.

Our mission is to cultivate a thriving environment for Canadian businesses, while simultaneously establishing our website as the premier Canadian destination for online shoppers seeking to purchase a broad range of products from Canadian vendors.

Your Canadian connection, coast to coast.