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The lousy exchange rate is working in our favour this year
In past years, a great many Canadians have flocked to nearby American cities to take advantage of massive Black Friday markdowns, braving long border line-ups and jam-packed parking lots in order to get an early jump on their holiday shopping. This year, most Canadians have realized the now lousy exchange rate is putting a damper on any potential savings.
Luckily, the low-flying loonie means this year’s homegrown Black Friday deals—traditionally tepid compared to the outrageous door-busters that have caused stampedes at U.S. retailers— could be the best we’ve ever seen, with many sale prices being the equivalent to or cheaper in Canada than in the States. There’s even evidence that the flow of cross-border traffic may go the other way this weekend.
Only 13% of Canadians have said they’re likely to head south to shop this year, down from 20% in 2014, according to a new study from UPS. And those who said they plan to buy their TVs, refrigerators and other miscellaneous goods from U.S. retailers expect to save an average of $168, much less than the $249 expectation last year.
But despite steeper percentage discounts in the States, Canadian sales are actually pretty great for shoppers in the country this year. And even if U.S. prices can save you $10 or $20 here and there, once you factor in the cost of fuel, hotels (key to maximizing your duty-free spending limits), the time saved and the trampling avoided, Black Friday starts to look quite sunny in Canada this year.
Don’t believe us? Here are five examples of Black Friday deals that are better in Canada.
U.S. Black Friday price: US$369.99, reduced 22% from USD$479.99
After exchange: $492.57
Canadian Black Friday price: $399.99, reduced 15% from $473.99
Despite a bigger slash in the States, this TV is $97.71 cheaper in Canada.
U.S. Black Friday price: USD$299.00, reduced 14% from USD$349.00
After exchange: $397.36
Canadian Black Friday price: $369.96, reduced 14% from $429.96
This PS4 bundle is $27.40 cheaper in Canada.
U.S. Black Friday price: US$179.99, reduced 22% from US$229.99
After exchange: $239.62
Canadian Black Friday price: $199.99, reduced 20% from $249.99
Despite a slightly steeper discount stateside, this Samsung Galaxy Tab is $39.63 cheaper in Canada.
U.S. Black Friday price: US$1,799.99, reduced 45% from USD$3,299.99
After exchange: $2,396.33
Canadian Black Friday price: $1,897.91, down 40% from $3,099.99
Once again, the exchange rate trumps a deeper price-cut in the States. This Samsung fridge is $498.42 cheaper in Canada.
U.S. Black Friday price: US$479.99, reduced 44% from US$849.99
After exchange: $637.72
Canadian Black Friday price: $590.99, after a $70.00 rebate
Even online-only retailers are offering deals and great prices in Canada. This Lenovo Thinkpad is $46.73 cheaper in Canada.
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