Sahiba Cuccria
8 mins read
9 mins read
As a seller, the most important part of your business are your customers. So, with Black Friday 2025 officially arriving today, there couldn’t have been a more ideal time to understand the significance of this peak season period, especially for Canadians.
In this blog, we will deep dive into the impact of Black Friday on Canadian eCommerce, which will offer you valuable insights and practical tips if you are a seller looking to maximize your sales.
Contrary to popular belief, Black Friday is no longer just limited to the United States.
Over the past decade, this shopping extravaganza has transcended borders and taken the Canadian eCommerce landscape by storm.
A decade ago, Canadians were even ready to travel across the border to take advantage of Black Friday offers.
But with a surge in online shipping over the years, everyone gained access to a global marketplace from the comfort of their own homes. That obviously led Canadian businesses to be pitted against a wide range of discounted products south of the border, all available to shoppers with just one click.
Naturally, Canadian businesses had to keep up with the rising expectations of the customers. It was a classic case of "if you can't beat them, join them," so retailers eventually started offering Black Friday sales, both in their brick-and-mortar stores and online. This change in attitude towards Black Friday also led them to later adopt Cyber Monday in Canada.
Now, it’s become the need of the hour. In fact, with shifting global trade policies, more Canadian shoppers are now looking for ‘Made in Canada’ options. The whole Buy Canadian movement that gained momentum earlier this year, has become a sentiment most shoppers in Canada still resonate with.
Black Friday isn’t just another sale day for Canadian shoppers. Instead, it’s one of the most influential retail events of the year. What began as an imported shopping tradition has now firmly rooted itself in Canada’s retail landscape, shaping how consumers plan, compare, and ultimately make their holiday purchases.
For sellers, this period has evolved into a defining moment that not only drives revenue but also sets the tone for customer expectations throughout the rest of the holiday season. With increased competition, earlier promotions, and rising demand for fast, reliable delivery, Black Friday has evolved into a nationwide benchmark for eCommerce performance.
Shopping Trends
It’s that time of the year in Canada when shoppers eagerly await those ‘up to 50% off’ deals and discounts offered by their favourite brands across Canada. According to a recent study published by Retail Council of Canada, for 84% Canadian shoppers Black Friday is their most important shopping day, and 80% shoppers compare store prices with that offered online.
However, it’s interesting to note that that shoppers still prefer to shop in-store especially when it comes to the final buying decision.
Shipping Trends
As a seller prepping up for peak season, are you also constantly searching for ‘Black Friday fulfillment services’ or ‘Black Friday courier services’?
Well, it wouldn’t be a surprise if you were since the Black Friday Cyber Monday rush in Canada can profoundly impact supply chain and shipping operations.
As consumers flock to online stores for holiday shopping, the demand for speedy, on-time delivery surges.
This necessitates a well-planned shipping strategy to meet customer expectations.
As always, customers expect services like same-day delivery, next-day delivery and most popularly free shipping, with 82% of Canadian shippers noting they will shop more often with retailers who offer free shipping.
Consumer Trends
Canadian consumers prioritize two main factors when it comes to shipping: cost and speed. But what is also important is providing them with shipping transparency.
Research shows that 46% of shoppers are influenced to shop with a retailer that provides an expected delivery date.
Businesses that can offer competitive shipping rates, timely deliveries, and communicate effectively with their customers have a significant advantage during the Black Friday rush.
To make the most of Black Friday and ensure a smooth shopping experience for your customers, you need to plan ahead.
Here are some essential tips for you as an eCommerce seller in Canada to make the most of the BFCM rush:
To ensure seamless inventory management for Black Friday, begin by analyzing your sales data from previous years to forecast demand. Stock up on bestsellers and consider introducing limited time offers. Partnering with a reliable 3PL can help streamline inventory management, ensuring products are ready for quick shipping.
With high traffic expected, make sure your website is robust and can handle the surge. This includes checking load times, mobile responsiveness, and ensuring that the checkout process is seamless.
Start your Black Friday promotions early. When consumers receive promotional messages in September, they are 3 times more likely to buy products and services during Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
Use email campaigns, social media, and paid ads to build anticipation. Exclusive sneak peeks or early access for loyal customers can create buzz.
Today’s customers expect fast and flexible shipping options. Working with a 3PL can provide an array of shipping solutions, from same-day deliveries to international shipping, ensuring customer satisfaction.
Consider offering an extended return policy for the holiday season. This can instill confidence in shoppers and might be the nudge to finalize a purchase.
Be ready to handle queries, complaints, and feedback promptly. Live chat, FAQs, and a helpline can make the shopping experience smoother for your customers and lead to higher customer satisfaction.
Create product bundles at discounted rates or offer complementary products at checkout. This not only increases the average order value but also enhances the shopping experience.
Even with the best planning, unforeseen challenges can arise. Whether it's a product going viral or an unexpected shipping bottleneck, having a 3PL partner can provide the flexibility and resources to adapt quickly.
Once the frenzy is over, take the time to review your sales data, customer feedback, and any operational challenges. This will not only help in planning for upcoming sales events around Christmas but will also provide invaluable insights for the next Black Friday.
Black Friday is not just about one-off sales – use this opportunity to build lasting relationships. Personalized thank you notes, loyalty programs, or post-purchase offers can turn one-time shoppers into lifelong customers.
While Black Friday offers immense potential, success hinges on thorough preparation and agility.
Partnering with a third-party logistics company can alleviate many operational challenges, allowing you to focus on what you do best: offering great products and creating memorable shopping experiences.
To ensure you're ready for the big event, reach out to us at eShipper. We can help you optimize your supply chain, so you can fully embrace the opportunities that Black Friday presents.
Don't miss out on the Black Friday sales – prepare, plan, and prosper!
A: Black Friday in Canada signifies the start of the holiday shopping season, with consumers eagerly seeking deals and discounts, both online and in physical stores.
A: Black Friday can lead to delays in shipping, as the high volume of orders puts additional pressure on logistics and delivery services.
A: Canadian retailers began holding Black Friday sales to compete with American retailers and keep Canadian shoppers from crossing the border in search of deals.
A: Yes, packages continue to move on Black Friday. However, the high volume of shipments may lead to delays in processing and delivery.
A: Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the biggest sales events of the year in Canada.
A: Black Friday deals often extend beyond a single day, with many retailers offering discounts and promotions throughout the week, leading up to and following Black Friday.
A: If you overnight a package on Friday, it should arrive on the following business day, which is typically Monday. However, during peak holiday seasons like Black Friday, you should check with the shipping provider for any potential delays.
