As the holiday shopping season kicks off, many Ottawa residents are taking full advantage of the sprawling discounts that Black Friday and Cyber Monday have to offer. However, these events have transformed in recent years—no longer confined to just one or two days, shoppers are now treated to weeks of deals, with some retailers extending bargains over an entire month.

For many retailers, this time of year is crucial; it's a chance to eliminate excess inventory and help their bottom line before the holidays set in. Zacharie Cadieux was spotted at Best Buy on Coventry Road, proudly showing off his new purchase: a 65-inch Samsung TV. “I did shop around online. I checked all the prices, and this was the best deal for that specific TV,” he shared, reflecting on the upgrade from his old 50-inch model that served him for over a decade.

However, not all shoppers are overly impressed with the Black Friday experience. Diana Cheezo, who was out shopping with her family, expressed skepticism about the savings. “There’s no difference anymore. That’s why you don’t see many people out to shop for Black Friday,” Cheezo remarked, hinting at a growing sentiment that the deals may not be as enticing as they once were.

Rabbie Rahman echoed similar sentiments, believing that Black Friday offers better deals compared to Boxing Day, but he suspects some pricing tactics might be misleading. “I feel like it’s a lot of artificial price gouging," Rahman asserted. “They raise prices and then claim discounts of 40 to 50 percent off. You have to be cautious.”

Despite the dwindling enthusiasm surrounding Black Friday, technology columnist Marc Saltzman reassures shoppers that deals can still be found in the lead-up to the big day. “Retailers, especially this year, are eager to draw customers in well before November 29, pushing out promotional prices to move inventory quickly,” he explained. His advice? Don’t wait until the last minute—make use of comparison shopping apps and websites to ensure you're getting the best deal possible. “Sign up for deal alerts if you’re eyeing specific items,” Saltzman recommends.

According to retail analyst Bruce Winder, Black Friday remains a treasure trove for savvy shoppers. As stores clear space for new holiday stock, consumers can find discounts across a wide range of categories—from consumer electronics to kitchen and beauty products. “It’s not just about high-ticket items. There are plenty of lower-priced goods to be had as retailers aim to boost sales and profits before the year's end,” Winder noted.

This year, as Ottawa shoppers embrace the familiar frenzy of Black Friday, it's clear that while they may still find solid deals, vigilance is necessary to navigate a landscape filled with potential pitfalls. Will you join the shopping spree, or is the discounted allure fading? Only time will tell!