CALGARY – It’s an American tradition that has quickly become a Canadian one, and one Calgarians are embracing, even in the midst of an economic downturn.
Finding deals has become even more important for many shoppers taking part in Black Friday’s shopping frenzy.
READ MORE: 8 facts about Black Friday in Canada
According to recent IPG Mediabrands survey, 1.2 million Canadians plan to take a “sick” day to shop on Friday.
At Chinook Centre, there were long lines stretching around the building Friday morning. The mall extended its hours, opening its doors at 6 a.m. and stores at 7 a.m.
Shoppers were willing to wait – some arrived as early as 3:30 a.m. – not only in the hopes of getting a few deals, but also with the promise of a gift card at the door. At Chinook Centre those who showed up extra early got an extra 15 per cent off.
“With the economic climate in Calgary… I think this is the time of year people are going to be looking for those deals and so I think it’s a great opportunity for people to take advantage of the sales,” said Paige O’Neill, the general manager for Chinook Centre. “I think it will be equal to or better than last year.”
WATCH: About half of all Canadians are expected to take in Black Friday, with Albertans topping the list. As Erin Chalmers explains, the American tradition is growing up north.
At South Edmonton Common, Louis Doyle, general manager of the Best Buy store, said about 250 people were lined up when the doors opened at 6 a.m. He believes Black Friday is growing in popularity with Canadians.
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“Black Friday came over here probably a couple of years ago,” said Doyle. “So now we’re building the momentum…and it’s going to be as big as Boxing Day in my opinion.”
Shoppers line up outside an Edmonton Best Buy store on Black Friday, November 27, 2015.
READ MORE: Shoppers vent online after Best Buy Canada site malfunctions on Black Friday
According to a recent BMO survey, Albertans plan to spend more than those in other provinces across Canada, with an average of $457.00 on Black Friday and $282.00 Cyber Monday.
Who will be hitting the malls most? It will likely be millennials, with 69 per cent coughing up an average of $437.00.
READ MORE: Black Friday sneak peek: Are you better off shopping in Canada or the U.S.?
As for retailers, economists suggest the downturn in the economy could mean less money spent at the till. On the flip side, a low Canadian dollar could mean that much of the money spent will stay in Canada.
A UPS survey says Canadians shopping in the U.S. is down 20 per cent.
But some shoppers can even take advantage of Black Friday without even having to leave home. Many can hit the web for online deals, with westerners taking advantage of those Eastern time zones.
READ MORE: 12 fraud awareness tips for online Christmas shopping
Black Friday is often considered the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season. Boxing Day, however, is still – by far – the biggest shopping day of the year in Canada.
WATCH: A marketing expert says big deals mean businesses may not get out of the red and into the black by this time, especially if they’re smaller operations. Kendra Slugoski has that story.
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