Extended Black Friday sales signal changing consumer habits

Black Friday is no longer just a single day, and Windsor, Ontario retailers are feeling the shift. Devonshire Mall has already seen a jump in foot traffic as stores roll out discounts well ahead of the traditional shopping event. Marketing and analytics professor Vivek Astvansh says the change reflects a broader trend in consumer behavior. “Black Friday is no longer one day or one week. It’s actually a brand name that represents extended holiday shopping for several weeks and even spanning a month.” Astvansh notes Canadians are increasingly seeking local and Canadian-made products, partly as an economic statement, while the weaker Canadian dollar is attracting more U.S. shoppers north of the border. With inflation easing and 74 per cent of Canadians planning to maintain or increase holiday spending, retailers are bracing for strong sales that could give the local economy a boost.