EDMONTON – If you were planning on doing any Christmas shopping online, it may be a good idea to do it by midnight since Thursday is Free Shipping Day in Canada.
More than 260 stores are taking part, including major retailers like Best Buy, Sport Chek, Indigo and Wal-Mart.
It’s an initiative started in 2008 by a Saskatchewan-born man, and has been steadily growing in popularity since. In 2011, shoppers in North America reportedly spent more than $1 billion during the 24-hour Free Shipping window.
Local stores, like Keylime Athletic Wear in Sherwood Park, are now also hoping for a piece of the pie.
“Another great idea to promote sales, help boost the local economy,” said store owner Kristi Wozniak. “Once they figure out their size and what your company has to offer, they will come back and re-order online. Also, the convenience of it – people are so busy now they will shop online versus come in the store.”
Anything ordered is guaranteed to be delivered in time for Christmas.
READ MORE: Online shoppers protected from late deliveries
When shopping online, remember to always exercise a degree of caution.
Fraudulent websites aren’t new, but the Better Business Bureau says their numbers are increasing.
For instance, popular retail site Overstock.com is reportedly a popular target.
“Fraudsters are using clever tricks such as slight misspellings of domain names or realistic graphics to easily deceive viewers,” warns the BBB’s Sandra Crozier-McKee.
READ MORE: Online shopping tips to keep your digital dollars safe
Here’s a round-up of the top 13 shopping deals available Thursday, as provided by FreeShippingDay.ca (you can find more information about these deals, including coupon codes, and others on the website).
1. Garage – Get free 2-day shipping plus 30% off regular-priced items with code.
2. Ardene – Get free shipping on all orders.
3. Hudson’s Bay – Get free shipping on all orders.
4. AllPosters.ca – Get free shipping plus 20% off all orders with coupon code.
5. SportChek – Get free shipping on all orders with promo code.
6. Snapfish – Get free shipping on all orders with coupon code.
7. Bench – Get free shipping on all orders.
8. Art.com – Get free shipping on all orders with promo code.
9. Nygard – Free shipping on all orders with coupon code.
10. The Source – Get free standard shipping on all orders
11. Indigo – Get free shipping on all orders.
12. Under Armour – Get free shipping on all orders.
13. Roots – Get free shipping on all orders.
With files from Julie Matthews, Global News
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