Where to Shop in Vancouver: Black Friday Comes to Canada
When many Vancouver moms were growing up, the biggest sales of the year were found on Boxing Day. To get the best deals shoppers would line up well before dawn, because it was a one-day-only event and things went quickly. Times have changed, though. In recent years Boxing Day sales have become Boxing Week sales, and even Boxing Month sales. On top of that, Black Friday – and now Cyber Monday, as well – have migrated north of the border. In fact, today is Black Friday. If you’re wondering where to shop in Vancouver for some deals, we have some suggestions to get you started.
Where to Shop in Vancouver on Black Friday
The Vancouver Business Improvement Association Partnership is encouraging Vancouverites to ‘Shop Local. Stay Local.’ this weekend, with Black Friday events in 12 different neighbourhoods. We’re highlighting a few here. For a complete listing, visit vancouverbiapartnership.ca/blackfriday.
1. Commercial Drive
The Drive is getting in on the Black Friday sales with a dozen businesses offering sales starting today and continuing all weekend long. From Womyn’s Ware to Bikes on The Drive to Mintage Vintage and more, you’re sure to find some unique gifts to get your holiday shopping off to a great start.
www.thedrive.ca
2. Gastown
Shop locally this holiday season when Black Friday comes to Gastown. More than 50 businesses will be offering special deals starting today to help you get your holiday shopping off on the right foot. There are even some restaurants participating, so you can make a weekend of it.
More info: www.gastown.org
3. Pacific Centre
Participating stores at Pacific Centre are offering ‘stellar sales’, promising some of the best deals of the year. In addition, there will be contests and giveaways, including the chance to win a $200 Black Friday shopping spree. The doors opened extra early this morning – at 7:00am – so hurry down ASAP for the best finds.
More info: www.pacificcentre.ca
4. Robson Street
It bills itself ‘the best shopping street in the city’, and for good reason. If you’re wondering where to shop in Vancouver this Black Friday, you’ll find lots of deals here. You may also want to check out the Shine, Shop and Dine Trolley Tour. From 4:30pm-9:30pm on Saturdays through December 21, 2013, you can hop aboard a free trolley and check out St. Paul’s Lights of Hope, buy some holiday gifts and catch a bite to eat, too.
More info: www.robsonstreet.ca
5. South Granville
Businesses in the South Granville neighbourhood kicked off holiday shopping yesterday, but the deals continue all weekend long. This is your chance to step outside the mall and discover some new answers for where to shop in Vancouver not just on Black Friday, but all year long. With dozens of businesses and restaurants to choose from, you’ll find something for everyone on your list.
More info: www.southgranville.org
6. Nowhere at All
Black Friday hype aside, this is Vancouver. Our city is home to David Suzuki. It’s also the birthplace of organizations like Greenpeace and Adbusters. The latter is a magazine that raises the alarm on consumerism. Each year on Black Friday, they hold Buy Nothing Day. The challenge is simple – to not buy anything for 24 hours. If you’d like a simpler holiday season, the answer for where to shop in Vancouver on Black Friday may be nowhere at all. And in any case, many of the sales last all weekend long, so you can honour both impulses if you’d like.
More info: www.adbusters.org
What about you – do you hit the Black Friday sales, or do you abstain? Leave us a reply and share your thoughts.
*Featured image credit – Kyle Pearce of www.diygenius.com on Flickr
