Retailers feel Black Friday pressure as Canadians expected to tighten spending | CBC News

"[Black Friday] is now more like a season than a day, said Santo Ligotti, vice president of marketing and membership with the RCC. Smart retailers are going to continue to have offers throughout that period to continue to attract [shoppers]. And for some small stores, in order to keep pace with the larger industry and match consumer expectations, they're now offering Black Friday deals."

"But this year brings a major challenge: rising prices have people planning to spend less this holiday season. While not representative of the overall Canadian population, several recent surveys highlight that trend. One recent survey from the Bank of Canada, also found that all of the uncertainty from trade action is weighing heavily on consumers, significantly dampening their spending expectations."

"Price is the top filter for Canadians. They're waiting for sales, price matching and buying discounted, he said. In a bid to appeal to people's pocketbooks, some small businesses, like local gift and homegoods shop Wolf & Rebel in Windsor, Ont., are pushing their first ever Black Friday sale. With the tariffs and everything, our prices have increased, and I think that it's just become not as affordable for most people, said shop owner Annie Vanrivong. People are struggling paying their groceries. So coming to a place like ours, I feel like it is a luxury, like buying these little knickknacks."

Black Friday has expanded into an extended shopping season with promotions stretching from after Halloween until late December. Retailers, including small businesses, are offering ongoing deals to meet heightened consumer expectations and compete with larger chains. Rising prices, tariffs and trade uncertainty are causing many Canadians to plan reduced holiday spending. Surveys, including one from the Bank of Canada, indicate dampened spending expectations and a likelihood that shoppers will hold back. Price is the primary decision filter for many Canadians, who are waiting for sales, price matching and discounts before making purchases.

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