Clear your credit card because Black Friday is almost here (November 29, 2019, to be exact).
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a retailer that isn’t participating in the price cuts, from the big-box stores to local boutiques. So, put on your comfy shoes, pound an extra-large coffee, and get ready to grab some of these Winnipeg retailers’ best deals:
Shopping Mall Madness
CF Polo Park – Winnipeg’s centrally located mall features 130 retailers including Michael Kors, Coach, Banana Republic, H&M, Sephora, Disney, Apple, Hudson’s Bay and TopShop. In order to maximize people’s mall time, Polo Park will be extending hours on the big day from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Visit the mall's promotions page for updates on specific retailer's Black Friday deals.
Outlet Collections Winnipeg – The doors of Winnipeg’s newest mall open bright and early (7 a.m. to be exact) for the best Black Friday designer deals. Spot the all the deals here before shopping at stores like Kate Spade, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste and more. And, don’t worry if you’re not first in the door, the OCW is staying open until 10 p.m. for those last-minute items.
Kildonan Place - @kildonanplace is the place you’ll want to keep your eye on Thursday and Friday as the 100+ retailers begin to roll out their best Black Friday deals. The mall’s doors will open at 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday, as well as staying open late until 9 p.m. on Saturday, November 30 (and every Saturday until Christmas).
Need a little feel-good fuel for the shopping filled day? Arby’s will be opening at 7 a.m. to serve a breakfast BLT along with choice of tea, coffee, small soft drink, or juice box for only $2, with all money raised being donated to the Salvation Army.
St. Vital Centre - Some of the mall’s 150+ stores have already busted out the red ticket gun, marking down prices before Black Friday. Best bet is to scour the Sales & Promotions page to map out your plan of attack.
Grant Park – While the mall itself will be operating on regular hours (10 a.m. – 9 p.m.), anchor-store Canadian Tire will be opening earlier, and there will be deals to be had mall wide. Scroll through @shopgrantpark and grantparkshoppingcentre.com for store specific details.
Boutiques at a bargain
Mad About Style – Black Friday is one of the biggest blowouts for this fashion-forward retailer, where in the past they’ve done sales of $10, $20, $30 racks, and 50 per cent and 60 per cent-off racks too. This year they’re hosting a Black Friday warehouse sale, located at 1079 Wellington Avenue, unit 115 running Friday, November 29, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday, November 30, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
HutK – This Grant Avenue furniture boutique is a must stop to freshen up your space this season. Black Friday deals include lighting - FLOS’ iconic black or matte finish designs are 30 per cent off, while Anglepoise lamps are 25 per cent — and discounts on select varieties of the highly sought Emeco Navy Chair.
North Flag – Check out the sales at this Academy Avenue store whose Middle Province brand has been donned by sports stars and celebrities (John Cho told GQ he “couldn’t live without” his Middle Province SnapBack hat). Keep an eye on their IG account for full discount details.
Loka - Gurl, you’re not going to want to miss the in-store discounts — we’re talking double digit percentages off running both Friday and Saturday; watch for full details on their Instagram. This chic boutique boasts brands like Brunette + Sog (you know those super cute Blonde or Brunette sweatshirts?) along with other accessory, footwear, and clothing options.
Six Black Friday shopping tips
Start with social – Follow your favourite retailers on social to see what promos they’re posting about ahead of time, and any potential coupon codes. Also, sign up for store’s loyalty programs online to get those early bird deal notifications.
Plan ahead – A good general would never go into battle without a plan of attack. Since in-store Black Friday shopping can be like a war zone, know ahead of time what you’re planning to buy in each store so you can get in and out; it also keeps your budget in check (see below).
Set a budget – Black Friday can leave your credit card smoking thanks to impulse buys. Separate your must-haves and would-be-nice-to-haves so you don’t end up going overboard on sale stickers.
Get out early – Set your alarm, and get out the door. The sooner you get to the store, the more likely you’ll get the items you want.
Savvy online shopping – If you don’t have an account with the retailer you’re purchasing from, make one beforehand to save time during checkout. Consider also entering your payment and shipping details to further expedite the process.
Know the return policy (and keep receipts) – Some stores have varying return policies for Black Friday and holiday purchases, so keep an eye on the timeframe when you can get full return versus exchange. Also be aware of final sale items.