Shoppers on Montreal’s West Island hunt for Black Friday deals

At Fairview Pointe-Claire on Montreal’s West Island, shoppers were on the hunt for Black Friday deals.

“Yes, 100 percent. Just from the rising cost of everything,” said Sara Macios, a Black Friday shopper. “It was worth it.”

This year could be one where Canadians try to take more advantage of some of Black Friday’s lower prices because of rising inflation and higher mortgage payments for certain families. A recent Deloitte survey predicts the average Canadian shopper will spend 11 per cent less this holiday season, and about 13-hundred dollars.

“Well, you know, you’re getting a few deals that you wouldn’t get throughout the rest of the year,” said Fernando, another shopper at the West Island’s largest shopping mall. “You know, you got to take advantage of the situation, especially with inflation so high interest rates.” 

“I also feel the pressure and the mortgage rate is going to raise and now it’s six, seven percent. So, yeah, it’s helpful as to save money,” said Xiaona Chun from Kirkland. 

Fairview Pointe-Claire did not seem as busy as one might expect on Black Friday, although there were some line-ups at certain stores.

A recent survey by the Quebec Retail Council reveals that 42 per cent of Quebecers plan to take advantage of Black Friday or Cyber Monday, and about one-third will spend more than in 2022.

“We’re doing really busy, busy, busy. Can’t complain. I’m happy sales start early this year, but I think why people come out because it’s more an event,” explained Micheline Gibson, a manager at the clothing and footware store Boathouse. “It’s more an outing, something to do. People look at the sales, you know, it kind of stimulates the economy, gets people going, getting ready for Christmas, gets the ball rolling.” 

In recent years, many people have opted to do more shopping for gifts online, but in Quebec this year with the general strike closing many schools, coming to a shopping mall, like the one in Pointe Claire, could also be an opportunity for kids to show their parents what they might like under the Christmas tree.

“We’re finding stuff for a pet,” said Kevin Wang with his mother Jing and sister Anna.  

“Want to buy maybe some toys and my son likes Pokemon,” said Kelvin Dai.

“Not anything specific. We’re just looking around, seeing what good deals are, seeing if there’s anything that catches our eye.” said Isabella Landini from Pointe-Claire.

As for what some shoppers actually purchased today, electronics and kids toys appeared to be the most popular.

“Just little Lego sets, they were discounted price, so I was able to get three of them,” said Macios.

“I got a $90 deal off this iPad, so it’s $710 instead of, you know, even Costco was $800, so it was a good deal,” explained Robert Major.

“I got myself a mouse and a mouse pad for my set up,” said Nazim Naimi.

“A Bowser castle for my daughter and a Switch cam for my son,” said Chun.