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Vancouver shops fight back against Black Friday

12 BIAs hope to keep customers in town
Lisa Arthurs
Lisa Arthurs, owner of Quick Nickel Clothing on Davie Street, is one of many Vancouver businesses holding Black Friday sales as way to keep local shoppers from crossing the border Nov. 29 to Dec. 1. photo Dan Toulgoet

Expect the spirit of Christmas and consumerism to blanket Vancouver during the last weekend in November.

Vancouver’s neighbourhood version of the U.S.-inspired Black Friday will crash 12 of the city’s business improvement areas from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1. It builds on West Fourth Avenue’s similar event last year.

Russ Davies bought his girlfriend a pair of boots for Christmas from Miz Mooz on West Fourth Avenue in Kitsilano last Black Friday for up to 70 per cent off.

“Generally, I’m a last-minute shopper so this actually gets me into the stores and onto the street a little ahead of time,” said the executive director of the West Fourth Avenue BIA who started it all.

Deals, including discounts, two-for-one specials and gifts with purchase will be announced online at blackfridayvancouver.ca at 12:01 a.m. Nov. 27.

“It’s really important for all retailers, really, to be able to compete and promote their businesses at this time,” Davies said. “It’s what carries you through January and February. They’re a little slower and the weather’s a bit more inclement and everybody’s now focused on saving money.”

Davies saw special deals and discounts of 25 to 80 per cent off at 65 shops on West Fourth last November.

In recent years, he’s watched as American retailers in Vancouver imported their country’s biggest sales and shopping period across the border. Davies wanted to compel bargain hunters to ditch lineups at the border and American shops and spend their time and money locally.

“Ninety-five per cent of the retailers participating in this Black Friday are mom and pops,” Davies said. “So it’s really important for everybody to recognize that shopping here and shopping locally benefits the Vancouver economy so much… and you can find those deals here and keep your money here in Canada.”

Twelve of the 21 member organizations of the Vancouver BIA Partnership are participating in the effort.

Every Saturday from Nov. 23 to Dec. 21 the West End BIA and merchants on Robson Street are running a Shine, Shop and Dine trolley tour of Christmas lights along Davie, Denman, Robson and Burrard streets in support of the Lights of Hope fundraiser for the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation. The ride is free or by donation to the foundation.

Lisa Arthurs, owner of Quick Nickel clothing on Davie Street and vice-chair of the West End BIA, says they’re promoting Davie, Denman and Robson as shopping streets.

“As a BIA, we’re organizing to unify them yet to still celebrate the differences,” she said.

Vancouver’s Black Friday event coincides with the Santa Day Parade on Howe and Georgia streets Dec. 1.

crossi@vancourier.com
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