Thursday is American Thanksgiving and after eating their turkey dinner, some Americans have a special tradition - lining up for Black Friday sales. And that is no longer a uniquely American phenomenon.
For the past three years or so, Canadian retailers have embraced the Boxing Day-like sales with gusto.
Shelves have been stocked and prices are being chopped, but will customers follow or head south for deals there?
Shopper Tabitha Klassen said in the past, she’s taken advantage of Black Friday deals in the U.S.
"I love a good bargain. I'm a bargain shopper, and I have an addiction to shopping," said Klassen.
But this year, she intends on shopping here at home. She’s not alone. The manager of Bootlegger in the Polo Park mall said Black Friday is becoming a very profitable day for them.
"Biggest day of the year! Bigger than Boxing Day,” said Cindy Wiwsionski from Bootlegger.
She expects a week’s worth of customers will rush into the store during that one day.
"They know it's going to be busy. They're expecting the lines. But they also know they're getting a great deal,” said Wiwsionski.
Of course, there are some pretty good deals south of the border too.
That's why the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce said retailers here have to offer more than just discounts.
"We as a community are trying to create a retail experience here in Winnipeg. It's not just about shopping. It's the service you receive,” said Loren Remillard from the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.
The Polo Park shopping mall agrees.
That's why it's giving customers free access to a professional stylist, offering fashion tips and suggestions in the week leading up to Black Friday.
"What we want to make sure is that the shopper leaves with things that they're actually able to wear for a long period of time, that really work in their wardrobe,” said Liz Crawford, fashion stylist.
Things they've hopefully bought here at home and not in the U.S.
