Black Friday Sales: Canadian-ized

So it seems that Canadian retailers are trying to get in on the phenomenon that is Black Friday. It's the biggest retail shopping day in the USA each year, and it seems it's finally time to step up our Canadian game and get in on the action.

There is no doubt that cross-border shopping has been negatively affecting stores and jobs here in Canada. And with the Canadian dollar at par, the threat is very real for our consumers to spend their dollar in the USA. After all, the USA seems to know how to throw a sale.

Big time sales of 50% or 70% off would attract any consumer. Especially when the same or similar items are typically only discounted 10-20% at Canadian store. It's easy to see the attraction.

Old Navy is hosting a sale in Canada, comprable to their American sister stores. Here they are calling it "Cheermageddon" and they are advertising it everywhere.

Electronics retailers like Best Buy and Future Shop have been leaders in "Cyber Monday" sales as well. It's been their way of adding one more day to the frenzy that is the Thanksgiving shopping weekend. For it, they promise fabulous on-line deals on electronics, movies and the like on the Monday that follows Thanksgiving.

It would be great to get some Christmas shopping done at a discount, but I am not willing to travel, fight crowds or arrive hours before a store opens in order to do it. If I participate in anyway, it will be from the comfort of my office and on-line.

Whether you want clothes, electronics, hotel rooms (Fairmont is promising deals), Danier leather jackets or cosmetics from The Body Shop they are all getting in on the act. 

My advice would be to do your research ahead of time. Only shop on-line with trusted retailers that you've shopped with before. And whether you are shopping at the malls, in person or on-line, be prepared for deals to go fast. Go in with a budget, and your Christmas shopping list to avoid going overboard.  Try not to get carried away in the frenzy.

Shopping sites like Smart Canucks offer fabulous info, and up to date information on sales. There are also interactive forums where you can share information, deals, warnings etc with other shoppers.

I guess the countdown is on. Happy shopping, but most of all, Happy Thanksgiving to our American friends. Enjoy the special time of year and thank you for sharing your shopping phenomenon with your northern neighbors. Come visit sometime, it's friendly up here. Bring a parka.