Black Friday, the one-day shopping bonanza known for its big bargains and large crowds, has arrived.
While rising COVID-19 cases and weeks of staggered deals have muted the usual fanfare of the shopping event, retailers are banking on todayB次元官网网址檚 sales to bolster their bottom line.
Retail analysts say some bargain hunters are still expected to shop in brick-and-mortar stores, where possible, in the hopes of snagging a doorbuster deal.
But they say the majority of this yearB次元官网网址檚 Black Friday purchases are expected to be made online.
Eric Morris, head of retail at Google Canada, says e-commerce in Canada has doubled during the pandemic.
He says given ongoing lockdowns and in-store capacity limits, online sales are expected to be strong today and remain heightened over the holiday shopping season.
Indeed, big box stores, which often attract the largest lineups and crowds on Black Friday, have moved most promotions online.
Yet although Black FridayB次元官网网址檚 top sellers tend to be big-ticket electronics, some shoppers might be on the hunt for deals on more basic items.
Lisa Hutcheson, managing partner at consulting firm J.C. Williams Group, says some shoppers may take advantage of todayB次元官网网址檚 sales to B次元官网网址渟tock up and hunker down for the winter.B次元官网网址�
Black Friday, which started as a post-Thanksgiving sale in the United States, has gained in popularity in Canada in recent years.
ItB次元官网网址檚 also become an increasingly important sales event for retailers, along with Cyber Monday, overshadowing Boxing Day.
Robin Sahota, managing director and Canadian retail lead for professional services firm Accenture, says retailers might be saving some special discounts for Cyber Monday.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 going to be a day where retailers look to add some sweeteners to entice consumers, particularly with the pull forward of Black Friday,B次元官网网址� he says. B次元官网网址淚 think folks will be seeking out something special on Cyber Monday.B次元官网网址�
The Canadian Press
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