Watch above: More Canadians are looking for deals on Black Friday and more Saskatoon retailers are seeing an increase in the number of shoppers.
SASKATOON – Canadians are really taking to Black Friday, according to a UPS Canada survey conducted over the last three years. The survey found the number of retailers now offering Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales is up to 26 per cent.
However, the number of Canadians shopping on U.S. websites or travelling down south to scout out the deals is also up.
MORE: 6 things to avoid buying on Black Friday and Cyber Monday
To keep Canadians shopping locally, online deals are offered in conjunction with in-store deals. For example, many stores are promoting, buy online and pick up in store.
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Kent Smith-Windsor, executive director of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, explained with the recent dip in the loonie, there will be a small shift to Canadian store websites.
“Retailing and the internet are a blended phenomenon, and it continues to be a pressure all businesses have to be cognizant of,” adds Smith-Windsor.
MORE: Canadians wish for bigger Black Friday deals this holiday season
In America, $57.4-billion was spent last year on Black Friday, with the average American spending $407.23.
The average Canadian will spend around $260, but according to the UPS survey, is expected to save $250.
“It’s a good thing for people to be able to save money, and the fact that they can take advantage of sales that are a new phenomenon, is always good for the pocket book,” said Smith-Windsor.
“The discretionary component is a good thing, and the fact that people are saving money gives them free disposable dollars to spend on other alternatives.”
Saskatoon retailers are seeing an increase in shoppers excited for the big day.
“I can see Black Friday getting bigger and bigger, year by year,” explained Jeremy Marucot, the store manager at Momentum Clothing & Equipment. “We get lineups sometimes before the doors open…compared to boxing day, which would typically be a really big day, it’s gotta be neck and neck.”
MORE: Don’t expect huge Black Friday sales in Canada. Here’s why
For the first time ever, a group of local retailers is coming together to open a special Black Friday store for the weekend in downtown Saskatoon.
“It’s fun it’s very exciting, there’s a lot of buzz, customers are very happy, very excited.”
In a Global News survey, about half the people who took the poll said they will take advantage of Friday’s sales, while very few are waiting for Cyber Monday
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