Ottawa shoppers kick off hunt for Black Friday deals early
On the eve of Black Friday, many shoppers were out at Ottawa malls looking to beat the crowds, and hopefully find some deep discounts.
But as inflation continues to put pressure on people's budgets, consumer habits are likely to change.
The main event, Black Friday, is still one day away, but Karen Bell found some deals at Tanger Outlets in Kanata too good to pass up.
"Seventy per cent off and more at Kate Spade," Bell says. "I did manage to buy a few things; they’re for myself and for gifts for Christmas."
Supply-chain problems have mostly passed, and stores are flush with products. While cyber-sales have ruled over the past few years, retail has returned as king.
Black Friday, the annual American event that has made its way into Canada, has become more of a month-long sale. November is the busiest shopping time for Canadians looking to prepare for the holidays.
"Retailers who offer lower prices, discounts, free shipping that really appeals to consumers. There are lots of reason to believe that they will still shop, it’s that they will be mindful of how they spend their dollar," says Michelle Wasylyshen with the Retail Council of Canada, adding shoppers are likely to stick to the same budget in years past, about $800.
"People are worried about inflation and finances understandably, but they do still plan to celebrate the holiday season and so this year the change is they’re going to be looking for more practical, more meaningful gifts, perhaps they will decrease the number of gifts for people that they buy for."
Sandra McMurray, senior travel consultant with Centrum Travel says she has seen a sharp increase in larger groups and families looking to travel to destinations all over the world and that Black Friday is a popular time to book.
“I’ve got people going on African safaris. I’ve got people going on river cruises for the next year and the down south stuff is selling out fast, everything flights especially,” McMurray says. "A couple booked a Trafalgar Tour for Europe next year; they got over a thousand dollars off a person. But the down south, so much stuff is selling out so there’s not a lot of huge sales just because there’s not a lot of availability but they are getting an upgrade on a room from a regular to an ocean view for instance.”
Whether it’s shopping Black Friday deals for necessities, gifts or just a little something extra, Bell says it's simply fun to splurge.
"We’ve had a rough time so it’s a good year to treat yourself and your friends to something really nice," Bell says. "But on Friday I’m going to stay home and check my bank account."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.