These major sector-wide promotional days are challenging for local, independent stores.  Only 1/3 (32%) of Canadians browsed or bought Black Friday deals at local independent stores in 2018. Of those buying deals, 20% bought at least one deal at these retailers. (Data is from the DIG360 – Leger Black Friday Report 2018 )

We recommend not getting caught in the margin erosion that comes with trying to compete with the big players. About half of Canadians will continue to shun the hyper hype. Reach them through product messaging relevant to utility, not price. (Thanks @GoogleCanada).  Independent retailers must be creative at cutting through the noise of these promotions, and many need to do better at preplanning and promoting through November.