Stimuli

For years the American Thanksgiving holiday has meant one thing to Canadians: cross-border shopping. With stores such as Macy’s, Khols, and Best Buy offering ridiculous savings on anything from electronics to fashion, it has always been worth the outrageous border lineups to save big bucks. With the Canadian dollar being so strong, Canadian retailers have had to succumb to the crazy Black Friday deals to entice shoppers to stay in Canada for the weekend and still get just as great of a deal.
If you’re planning on sticking around the Lower Mainland this Black Friday, you’ll want to know exactly what stores to hit to maximize your time and money. With so many sales happening in Canadian stores as well as online, I thought I would put together a quick guide to surviving this shopping holiday Canadian style. Here are some of my must-hit stores this weekend:

H&M – Various retail store locations
Just like our neighbours to the South, H&M Canada will have steals from as little as $5 this weekend. Still looking for that perfect holiday dress? Some stocking-stuffer accessories for your daughter? Then this is the place to be!

Apple – Online & retail stores
If you’re an Apple owner, you may have already received the e-vite to Apple’s one-day only Black Friday event happening on November 25, 2011. Apple has been very secretive and has not disclosed any of the deals they will be offering, but if an iproduct is on someone’s wish list this holiday, Friday would be the day to get it.

Banana Republic – Retail stores
What better way to shop at BR than with a 40 per cent discount? But make sure you arrive before 1pm, after that, the discount goes down to 25 per cent. Friday only!

Beyond the Rack – Online
From homewares to designer bags, kitchen appliances to accessories, the online retailer known for great markdowns will be further lowering their prices for Black Friday starting at midnight on November 28, 2011. If you’ve never shopped at Beyond the Rack, make sure you visit the site early. Every deal has a time stamp and once the sale is over, the merchandise is gone. Good items go fast!

American Eagle – Online & retail stores
Always a good place to pick up a pair of jeans or a comfy sweater, AE will be having a 40 per cent off sale starting Friday and ending Sunday. If you order online, you will also receive free shipping. Simply enter this promo code: 72429831.

Gap – Online & retail stores
The Gap’s Canadian Black Friday promo begins on November 23 through to November 27, 2011. Shoppers can expect deals of up to 60 per off merchandise for the whole family.

Given the popularity of Black Friday, it is just impossible to list all the good deals to be had this weekend. A piece of advice if you’re braving the stores this weekend: be patient, wear layers so you don’t have to try things on in the fitting room, and have an action plan of what you would like to buy. For a list of more great deals and promos, visit www.redflagdeals.com. Happy Thanksgiving shopping!

by Tanya Colledge
Stimuli Magazine Contributor