With Black Friday approaching, Canadian shoppers are gearing up for one of the biggest sales events of the year. But with early Black Friday deals already starting in some stores, the question remains: Should you buy now or wait for the main event? This article offers tips on when to buy, which products to look out for, and a breakdown of major store deals across Canada.
When Do Early Black Friday Sales Start in Canada?
In Canada, early Black Friday sales often start as early as late October or the first week of November, with some major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy kicking off sales weeks before the main Black Friday event. These early sales allow shoppers to spread out their purchases and avoid the rush, while some stores even offer price matching if items go lower closer to Black Friday.
Keep an eye on weekly sales ads as they often indicate the best times to shop for specific categories, especially as some discounts may only last a few days or be limited to online purchases.
Should You Buy Now or Wait for Black Friday?
Knowing when to buy during Black Friday season can be tricky, but here are some tips on which items to buy early and which ones to wait for:
Buy Early:
- Electronics: Popular electronics, such as TVs, laptops, and smart home devices, often go on sale early, and these discounts tend to remain similar through Black Friday. If you see a good deal on a highly-rated TV or laptop, buying early is a safe bet.
- Home Appliances: Small kitchen appliances and vacuum cleaners often get price cuts in early November, with brands like Dyson, KitchenAid, and Instant Pot featured heavily in early Black Friday sales.
Wait for Black Friday:
- Fashion and Apparel: Clothing and accessories usually see the biggest discounts on Black Friday itself, with markdowns of 50% or more at retailers like Old Navy, The Bay, and Lululemon.
- Toys: Toy discounts tend to peak right before Black Friday, so it’s worth waiting if you’re buying holiday gifts for kids. Major stores like Toys “R” Us and Walmart will have flash sales and doorbusters closer to Black Friday.
If you’re uncertain, look for price guarantees offered by some retailers, allowing you to buy early and claim a refund if the price drops on Black Friday itself.
Best Early Black Friday Deals by Category
Here’s a look at the top categories with early Black Friday deals in Canada:
- Electronics: Expect discounts on laptops, TVs, headphones, and gaming consoles from brands like Sony, Samsung, and Apple at Best Buy and Amazon.
- Home & Kitchen: Small appliances like air fryers, blenders, and coffee machines are featured at Canadian Tire and Costco.
- Beauty and Skincare: Retailers like Sephora and Shoppers Drug Mart often offer early discounts on premium beauty brands.
- Outdoor Gear: For Canadians looking to prepare for winter, stores like Sport Chek and Canadian Tire discount outerwear, boots, and winter sports gear.
Top Stores and Early Black Friday Deals in Canada
Many stores in Canada kick off their Black Friday deals early, with some offering exclusive discounts for loyalty members or app users. Here’s a roundup of major retailers and what they’re offering:
1. Amazon Canada
- Deals: Amazon’s early Black Friday deals cover everything from electronics to home goods and beauty.
- Tip: Prime members often get early access to exclusive deals, so consider joining or using the free trial for added perks.
2. Walmart Canada
- Deals: Walmart’s early sales include toys, home essentials, and popular tech items like laptops and headphones.
- Tip: Check Walmart’s online store frequently, as deals can sell out quickly. Free curbside pickup can also help secure in-store items without the crowd.
3. Best Buy Canada
- Deals: Best Buy’s early deals include discounts on Samsung TVs, Apple products, and gaming consoles.
- Tip: Best Buy often offers a price match guarantee, so keep track of price changes as Black Friday nears.
4. Canadian Tire
- Deals: Canadian Tire’s early sales focus on home appliances, power tools, and seasonal items.
- Tip: Sign up for their Triangle Rewards program for additional discounts and perks.
5. The Bay
- Deals: Look for deals on fashion, home decor, and bedding.
- Tip: The Bay’s early Black Friday sale usually includes price drops of 20-30% off, but bigger discounts may arrive closer to Black Friday.
Tips for Scoring the Best Deals
Maximize your savings with these strategies:
- Compare Prices: Use price comparison tools like Google Shopping or Honey to see if other retailers offer the same items at lower prices.
- Sign Up for Newsletters: Many stores offer additional discounts or early access to subscribers, so sign up for emails at your favorite retailers.
- Shop Online: Online shopping during early Black Friday deals often comes with exclusive discounts, free shipping, or cashback.
- Use Loyalty Programs: Loyalty members often receive additional savings and early access to sales. Stores like Sephora and The Bay offer members-only perks.
- Set Alerts: Use apps like Flipp to set alerts for specific products or categories you’re interested in so you don’t miss out.
Conclusion: Be a Smart Shopper
Early Black Friday deals offer Canadians a great opportunity to save on holiday shopping and essential items. By understanding which items to buy now and which to hold off on, you can avoid overspending and make the most of this shopping season. With major stores like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy rolling out early discounts, there’s no need to wait until Black Friday to score big. Happy shopping, and may the best deals be yours!
