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Black Friday vs Boxing Day: Which is better?

Black Friday and Boxing Day are Canada's biggest sale events of the year. But which one offers the best deals?

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By

Stacie Hurst

&

Romana King

Updated

Fact checked

Who doesn’t enjoy saving money? These days Canadian shoppers get plenty of opportunities to save with sales events throughout the year, including Amazon Prime Day, Cyber Monday, Disney Plus Day and Bay Days. But without a doubt, the two biggest sale events in Canada are Black Friday and Boxing Day. But for cost-conscious shoppers, the battle of Black Friday versus Boxing Day boils down to the answer to one key question: Which sale offers better deals?

Black Friday vs Boxing Day: Which is better?

According to the Finder: Black Friday 2021 report, 1 in 5 Canadians plan to shop Boxing Day deals this year, meaning retailers can expect a last-minute boost before year-end. According to data from the Retail Council of Canada’s annual Holiday Shopping Survey, Canadians will spend between $700 and $800 on Boxing Day sales.

Which is better, Black Friday or Boxing Day sales?

Statistics show that Black Friday tops the chart for sales activity. According to the CPA Canada Holiday Spending study:

  • 65% of Canadian shoppers shop online during Black Friday and Cyber Monday
  • 46% shop in-store for Black Friday and Cyber Monday
  • 20% plan to take advantage of online Boxing Day/Week sales
  • 20% will shop in-person during Boxing Day/Week sales

Black Friday sales offer great deals, but not always, explains Georgia-Rose Johnson, a publisher at Finder who specializes in shopping and travel. She recommends listing what you want to buy, at least a month in advance of the sale day, and then comparison shop to get a benchmark price. “This allows you to see if the price really is a bargain on Black Friday or Boxing Day.”

Johnson also suggests looking out for site-wide deals during these big sale events. “Most retailers rarely discount every single item on their site, so if a store runs a sitewide sale, such as 20% off everything, you’re more likely to bag an item not normally included in a sale.”

Shop the best Black Friday deals

Boxing Day deals

Budget-conscious consumers will be pleased to learn that Boxing Day sales typically offer much deeper discounts.

According to research from Colliers International, a global investment management firm, most sales deals for most items are about the same, whether you buy on Black Friday or wait for Boxing Day; however, Boxing Day continues to offer a slight edge when it comes to savings.

Shoppers will find slightly better deals on Boxing Day, but greater variety and choice of deals during Black Friday sales explains James Smerdon, a Colliers International retail trends consultant.

Boxing Day sales

Replenish your wardrobe. If you want to grab a few basics or an entirely new wardrobe, you’re in luck. According to Finder’s analysis of 24 different products in six popular retail categories across four popular retailers, clothing and accessories had some of the deepest discounts during Boxing Day deals. While the average price drop was 15.5%, most shoppers can find select fashion items slashed by 50% to 90% off during Boxing Day sales.

Boxing Day appliance discounts. At the end of the year, most major retailers will need to clear out last year’s stock to make room for new inventory. This is when smart shoppers will stock up on last year’s models and this makes Boxing Day the best time to buy appliances in Canada. Look for bulk discounts and floor model discounts, as well as storewide sales to snag the best deals on appliances during Boxing Day sales.

Stock up on last season’s items. The need to get rid of last season’s model isn’t limited to appliances. Most general stores and major specialty retailers will discount last year’s merchandise as soon as the holiday season is over. Their hope is that cost-conscious consumers will snap up the discounted merchandise and help make room for new inventory. The best merchandise for Boxing Day deals includes: home decor, furniture, electronics and tools. To get the best deal, check comparison sites and deal aggregators frequently and set up alerts for target sales. For instance, you may find your local hardware store offering 20% off all tools and at the same time, a BOGO (buy-one-get-one-free) on specific tool brands, such as Milwaukee or Dewalt. A good trick is to set an alert, such as “Milwaukee Boxing Day sale” or “Boxing Day Dewalt,” so all relevant sales are sent straight to you.

Time to replenish holiday-themed decor. Shoppers can expect deep discounts – upwards of 90% – on all holiday-related merchandise, including outdoor LED string lights, Christmas trees and stockings, Hanukkah menorah, as well as ornaments and holiday-themed decor.

Slash your home reno budget. Many homeowners choose the start of the year to complete home updates and repairs. As a result, retailers will compete to get your business. Make a list of what you need and scan the flyers during Boxing Week and leading into the New Year. Chances are you can save hundreds and even thousands off your home reno budget by shopping these sales.

Strategically shop for electronics. While you’ll get more selection during Black Friday sales, shoppers can still find big discounts on popular electronic items, as well as slashed pricing on last-year models. For instance, popular 65-inch OLED TVs were selling for approximately $2,500 in March 2022, but pre-Boxing Day flyers showed the same product for just under $1,700. Other electronics to keep in mind are small kitchen appliances and connected home devices. For instance, Keurig Boxing Day sales have been very popular in Canada, as well as Alexa and Google products.

All the top Black Friday 2023 deals in Canada

You can search Black Friday 2023 deals by brand, category or product name.

Sport ChekSport Chek

Up to 60% off clearance sale

Get deal
GAPGAP

Up to 50% off selected styles

Get deal
ThinOpticsThinOptics

20% off site-wide

Show code
FairweatherFairweather

50% off site-wide + FREE shipping over CAD$50

Ends

Get deal
ChattersChatters

Up to 60% off any order

Ends

Get deal
GAPGAP

Up to 50% off selected styles

Get deal
Sport ChekSport Chek

Up to 60% off clearance sale

Get deal
FARFETCHFARFETCH

Up to 50% off designer brands

Get deal
GoltumGoltum

Up to 64% off KN95 protective face masks

Get deal
AmazonAmazon

Up to 40% off fashion

Get deal
KeurigKeurig

FREE shipping on all orders over $25

Get deal
Ever NewEver New

Up to 50% off sale

Get deal
Silk'nSilk'n

Save up to 35% + free shipping on skincare & hair removal devices

Get deal
CBD MagicCBD Magic

Save 35% on orders

Get deal
Bear MattressBear Mattress

25% off sitewide + FREE accessories

Get deal