Edublog - Understanding Black Friday: A Brief History & A Guide for Shoppers in Canada

Learn English with NETOL
Nov 25
6 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

What is Black Friday?

Black Friday is a big shopping day. It happens the day after American Thanksgiving. Each year, it falls on the fourth Friday of November. Many stores offer big discounts. Shoppers look for deals on many items. Black Friday is not a public holiday in Canada. Stores are usually open, and people go to work or school as usual. On Black Friday, many workers get special shifts or extra hours instead of a day off.

The History of Black Friday

Black Friday started in the United States in the 1950s. Stores used the day to start the holiday shopping season. The name "Black Friday" became common in the 1960s in Philadelphia. Police used the name because they worked long hours to manage crowds and traffic. Later, stores used the name to mean a very profitable day. If a store is making money, it is "in the black." That idea helped the name spread.

Sales & Discounts On Black Friday

Today, Black Friday is a popular day in many countries around the world, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany, India, Brazil, and Mexico. Each country has its own way of having big sales online and in-store on this special shopping day.

In Canada, Black Friday is a very popular shopping day because of the close ties with the United States. Many Canadian shoppers watch American sales and deals. Canadian retailers want to keep shoppers at home in Canada, so they offer similar discounts on Black Friday.

What Do People Do on Black Friday?

Black Friday is a highly anticipated and busy day for shoppers. Some people wait in long lineups outside stores. Some camp overnight in front of stores to get special offers. Others shop online to avoid the big crowds and the long lines. Many people compare prices on different websites to find the best deals. Shoppers often buy gifts for the holiday season. Some people also renew their mobile phone plans or TV plans because of the good deals that this shopping day has to offer.

Renewing or Getting a Cell Phone or TV/Cable Plan on Black Friday?

Many phone companies and TV providers have special offers that are only available on Black Friday. You can get lower monthly fees or free devices on this day. This makes it a smart time to renew or change plans to save a significant amount of money. To do this, you must contact your mobile phone company or TV provider and ask them about their Black Friday sales.

BE AWARE: Always check the fine print and compare offers and prices before committing to any contract.

Stores That Offer Good Black Friday Deals in Canada

Here is a list of 18 popular stores that often have good sales on Black Friday in Canada.

*Click on each store to visit its website.

Online Stores - Shopping .CA Versus .COM

When you live in Canada, make sure to shop on .ca websites, not .com websites. .ca websites are made for Canadian shoppers. For example, shop Amazon.ca, instead of Amazon.com, BestBuy.ca instead of BestBuy.com, and Walmart.ca. instead of Walmart.com.

There are several reasons why Canadians should shop on .ca online stores instead of .com online stores. Here are 7 important reasons:

Prices on .ca online stores are displayed in Canadian dollars.
You will not get surprise currency changes.
Shipping is faster and cheaper from Canadian stores.
You avoid cross-border delays.
You do not have to pay extra customs fees or tariffs.
Customer service is local and easier to contact.
Canadian laws protect Canadian shoppers.

Best Products with the Greatest Deals & Discounts on Black Friday

*Before reading about the top items that are on sale on Black Friday, look at each picture from above, and talk about what you see.

People shop for many different items on Black Friday. The items range from electronics to clothing to household appliances. Here is a list of the top 20 items that people look for and buy on Black Friday:

Televisions & Projectors

Televisions and projectors let you watch movies and shows on a big screen. They make family time fun. You can find big discounts on large TVs and projectors, making this a popular buy.
Laptops & Desktop Computers

Laptops and desktops help you work, study, and play games. They are important for school and jobs. Many people wait for Black Friday to buy computers because they are expensive.
Mobile Phones

Mobile phones keep you connected with friends and family. You can call, text, and use apps anywhere. Phones are always in demand. Carriers and stores offer great deals on phones and plans on Black Friday.
Headphones & Earbuds

Headphones and earbuds let you listen to music or podcasts. They are great for travel. People love wireless earbuds. You can find big savings on top brands of headphones and earbuds on Black Friday.
Tablets

Tablets are small and easy to carry. You can read, watch videos, and play games on them. Tablets are expensive. Black Friday makes them more affordable.
Smart Home Devices

Smart home devices, like smart speakers and lights, make life easier. People like smart home devices. Black Friday is the best time to buy these gadgets at low prices.
Gaming Consoles

Gaming consoles let you play fun video games with friends. They are great for family entertainment. New gaming consoles are expensive. Black Friday gives discounts and bundles with games.
Video Games

Video games are fun for all ages. You can play alone or with friends online. Video games are cheaper on Black Friday, so people buy many games for their consoles.
Kitchen Appliances

Kitchen appliances, like blenders and coffee makers, help you cook faster. People want good tools for cooking at home. Black Friday offers big savings on these items.
Small Home Appliances

Small home appliances, like air fryers, vacuum cleaners and kitchen mixers, are useful to have in your home. You can find great deals on popular brands of small home appliances on Black Friday.
Digital & Polaroid Cameras

Cameras help you take beautiful photos. Polaroid cameras print pictures right away. People love taking pictures for memories. Many digital cameras, camera lenses and Polaroid cameras are on sale on Black Friday.
Clothing

Clothing keeps you stylish and comfortable. There are many choices for men, women, and kids. Many stores offer seasonal sales on trendy clothes on Black Friday.
Winter Coats

Winter coats, jackets and parkas keep you warm during the cold winter months. They come in many styles and colours. Black Friday gives great deals on warm winter coats.
Shoes

Shoes are important for comfort and style. There are many types of shoes which can be used for sports, work, and even fancy parties. Black Friday offers big discounts on many popular shoe brands.
Toys

Toys make kids happy and help them learn. There are dolls, cars, puzzles, and more. Toys are among the most popular items that go on sale on Black Friday. Many people purchase lots of toys at low prices to give as gifts to children.
Jewellery

Jewellery makes you look elegant. Rings, necklaces, and bracelets are popular gifts. Jewellery is expensive, so people wait for Black Friday to buy jewellery and save money.
Beauty Products

Beauty products, like makeup and skincare, help you look and feel good. Top brands of makeup, skincare, perfumes, and hair care products are often available in gift sets and are on sale during Black Friday.
Furniture

Furniture makes your home comfortable. Furniture is important for every room in a home. Many furniture pieces, such as sofas, chairs, and tables, can be purchased at a discounted price during Black Friday.
Tools & Home Improvement Items

Tools help you fix things and improve your home. They are useful for DIY projects. A wide range of tools and home improvement materials can be found on sale on Black Friday.
Bedding & Bath Products

Bedding and bath products make your home cosy. Seasonal bedding sheets, comforters, towels, and soap products are usually on sale on Black Friday.

Tips for Being A Smart Shopper on Black Friday

It is important to be a smart shopper and avoid being exploited or scammed by retailers on Black Friday. Here are some tips that you can follow to be a smart Black Friday shopper:

Make a list of what you need.
Set a clear budget and stick to it.
Compare prices online before you buy.
Read product reviews and return policies.
Buy from trusted stores to avoid scams.

Staying Safe and Avoiding Conflicts on Black Friday

When popular items are low in stock, shoppers may rush to grab the same deal, and this can cause conflicts or even fights. To avoid getting into disputes, stay calm and think about your safety first. Plan ahead by checking online stock and deciding if a deal is worth the risk. It is better to miss a deal than to get hurt. By staying calm and planning ahead, you can avoid most confrontations on Black Friday.

Concluding Remarks About Black Friday

Black Friday is a major shopping event that originated in the United States and spread to many countries, including Canada. While it is not a public holiday in Canada, it is a busy day for stores and shoppers. With planning and care, Black Friday can be a good time to save money. Happy shopping!