Maritimers return to malls for Cyber Monday

As Black Friday blurs into Cyber Monday, shoppers look for deals on and off line.

After a short two-day break, Maritime shoppers hit the malls once again, this time hoping to cash-in on Cyber Monday deals.

Retail experts say Canadians are expected to spend about $240 on Monday, which is up 20 per cent from last year.

“There’s some good deals out there. You just have to take your time and have a look around,” says one Halifax shopper.

Dan Shaw, a teaching fellow for Dalhousie University’s Marketing Department, says while Cyber Monday is traditionally an online savings event, many prefer to do both.

“People are still preferring 60/40, to shop online,” says Shaw.

“The best deals…typically 25 to 30 per cent on average, are on Black Friday and Cyber Monday."

Though Shaw says people can expect to see good deals this year, he says inflation and tariffs may result in consumers spending wisely.

“You got about 50 per cent of households who are feeling that pinch right now based on studies. I think you’ll find a lot of stockings filled with household goods…you’re going to get those oranges, but you might get a stick of deodorant or socks…because there’s a lot of households that are definitely feeling the pinch economically,” says Shaw.

Small businesses don’t typically participate in Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions, some are glad to see more traffic coming their way because of it.

“From mid-November through to Christmas, online sales are through the roof here. Lots of people shopping from across the country, around the world. But majority from across Canada. Especially with what’s happening economically, people want to remain Canadian and they’re shopping in the country,” says Mark Smith, co-owner of Made In The Maritimes.