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Canadian Black Friday 2024: How Tariffs Shape Your Wallet

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  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. k-friday-2024-how-tariffs-shape-your-wallet.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, November 27th 2025 at 6:41 GMT by The Globe and Mail

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Canadian Black Friday 2024: How to Shop Smart, Save, and Weather the Trade‑Tide

Every year, Canadians line up on the streets and in the shops to claim a share of the “big‑sale” frenzy that takes over the North American retail landscape in late November. The Globe and Mail’s in‑depth piece, “Buy Canadian Black Friday, afford… Thanksgiving, Trump tariffs,” takes a close look at the forces that shape that season – from the raw numbers of consumer spending to the political backdrop of U.S. tariffs – and offers readers a practical playbook for getting the most bang for their bucks. Below is a comprehensive recap of the article’s key arguments, data points, and links that flesh out the story.

1. The Landscape of Canadian Black Friday

The article opens with a striking statistic: Canadian retail sales on Black Friday in 2023 hit a record $10.4 billion, up 6.7 % from the previous year. The writers point out that while the headline figure mirrors the U.S. growth (which saw a 12 % jump), the Canadian numbers are dampened by a weaker currency and a slower economy. The piece links to a CBC‑News story that breaks down which categories – electronics, home goods, apparel – generated the most revenue, noting that electronics alone accounted for 30 % of total sales.

The Globe and Mail writer emphasizes that Canadian shoppers tend to be more cautious than their American counterparts, often waiting until Cyber Monday to snag the final price cuts. A short link leads to a Shopify blog post that explains why “e‑commerce is growing faster than in‑store traffic” during the holiday season.

2. How Trump’s Tariffs Affect Canadian Prices

A central theme in the piece is the ripple effect of U.S. trade policy on Canadian consumers. The article references President Donald Trump’s 2018 tariff on imported steel and aluminum, which raised the cost of key goods – from appliances to building materials – by an average of 7 %. To illustrate the impact, the writers provide a side‑by‑side comparison of a $1,000 refrigerator’s price in 2018 ($1,000) versus 2023 ($1,070), noting that “the added cost shows up in every aisle.”

The article also links to an analysis by the Fraser Institute that projects a 2–3 % increase in consumer price inflation over the next five years if the tariffs remain in place. The writers quote a trade‑policy analyst who warns that “Canadian manufacturers may shift production overseas or raise prices to maintain margins,” ultimately hurting Canadian consumers.

3. Strategies for Affordability

a. “Buy Canadian” to Avoid Import Fees

The writers urge readers to prioritize locally sourced products. A link to a Canadian Trade Commissioner’s guide explains how products labeled “Made in Canada” are exempt from the U.S. steel tariff. The article cites a consumer‑finance survey that found 65 % of shoppers are willing to pay a higher price if the item is domestically produced.

b. Use Cashback and Reward Programs

The Globe and Mail article links to a popular Canadian credit‑card rewards aggregator, showcasing how a “Cashback for Black Friday” campaign can offset the average 8 % increase in electronics prices. The writers recommend stacking multiple rewards – credit‑card cashback, store‑specific loyalty points, and a “Cash‑back coupon” from a major grocery chain that’s offering a 20 % discount on tech accessories.

c. “Bundle” and “Pre‑order”

The writers point out that many retailers now offer “bundles” that lock in a discounted rate for a set of items – e.g., a TV + soundbar + extended warranty for a single price. A link to a CTV article that lists the top three bundle deals for Black Friday shows that a standard TV bundle can save you $150 versus buying each component separately.

Pre‑ordering, the article notes, is another tactic that secures a price before the post‑holiday surge. A link to the Amazon Canada pre‑order page demonstrates that the early‑bird price for the latest gaming console is $70 cheaper than the final “Cyber Monday” price.

4. The Role of Consumer Protection

The Globe and Mail piece takes a brief detour to consumer protection, citing a recent Consumer Protection Act amendment that requires retailers to clearly disclose if a product is subject to the U.S. tariff. The writers link to the federal government’s consumer‑rights page that explains how to file a complaint if you discover hidden tariffs after purchase. The article reminds readers that “you can request a full refund if you’ve been misled about the final price.”

5. The Cultural Context: Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season

Beyond numbers, the article situates Black Friday within the broader North American holiday tradition. It notes that Canada’s Thanksgiving falls on the second Monday of October, a week earlier than in the U.S., but that the two holidays “share a cultural heritage of harvest, gratitude, and, most recently, a shopping spree.” The writers link to a Globe and Mail profile on the history of Thanksgiving in Canada, which explains why many Canadians now use the holiday week as a “pre‑Black Friday” sales period.

6. Take‑Away Takeaways

1. Plan Ahead: Create a shopping list and check price histories to spot true bargains.
2. Shop Local: Favor Canadian‑made products to dodge import duties.
3. Leverage Rewards: Stack cashback, loyalty points, and bundle deals.
4. Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the consumer‑protection laws that guard against hidden tariffs.
5. Be Smart About Timing: Use pre‑orders and Cyber Monday deals to lock in prices before the market rebounds.

The article concludes by saying that while the 2024 Black Friday season may bring higher prices than previous years – largely due to the lingering effects of Trump’s tariffs – savvy shoppers can still find significant savings by following the guidelines above.

7. Summary of the Links Referenced

Final Thought

Canada’s 2024 Black Friday offers both challenges and opportunities. Tariffs and inflation may have pushed prices higher, but the article shows that thoughtful planning, local purchasing, and the strategic use of rewards can help consumers keep the holiday spirit alive without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a tech‑savvy shopper, a bargain hunter, or simply someone looking to snag a great deal on a new couch, the Globe and Mail’s guide gives you a clear roadmap to navigate the holiday’s price maze—and to come out ahead.