New Black Friday Hours: Canada hopes to keep shoppers local this year

Canadian Malls Try To Kick Off Holiday Shopping on Black Friday

Canadian shoppers, in the past, have had to travel to America for the best deals and longer store hours. This is no longer the case with 21 malls opening early and advertising good sales the day after American thanksgiving this year.

This has long been a tradition in America. Black Friday kicks off the holiday shopping season with great sales and early hours. Many of these stores offer door busters items that are only available to the first few in the doors. Canadians have been driving across the border to shop on black Friday.

“I think it’s a new tradition. I think it kicks off the shopping season nicely,” said Wendy Greenwood, director of marketing, Ontario portfolio, Cadillac Fairview.

The biggest shopping day of the year in Canada has historically been the Saturday before Christmas, but many retailers are trying to change that. These retailers would rather Canadians spend their dollars in Canada instead of America. 95 percent of costumers say that they are going to take advantage of the black Friday sales this year.

According to the Star, the Eaton Centre will open at 6 a.m. Other Cadillac Fairview malls will open at 7 a.m., or 8 a.m.

Yorkdale spokesman Anthony Casalanguida said the mall will open at 7 a.m., with an all-day, live, television broadcast.

“We’re expecting a lot more customers over last year,” he said, adding that some discounts will be bigger than Boxing week sales, which have traditionally been strong in Canada.

Some people question whether or not the Canadian malls can compete with the American stores across the border. Some people claim that the deals are still better in America. Others do not think it worth their time to get up early for the purpose of shopping. Black Friday shopping appears to be a growing trend in Canada.

Online:

New Black Friday Hours: Canada hopes to keep shoppers local this year
http://www.thestar.com/business/personal_finance/spending_saving/2013/11/04/malls_across_canada_launch_new_black_friday_hours.html

Canadian retailers ramp up Black Friday strategy
http://www.thespec.com/news-story/4191808-canadian-retailers-ramp-up-black-friday-strategy/