Black Friday spending jumped 25 per cent despite cautious holiday trends, finds Moneris data

Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become two of the busiest shopping events in Canada. These days mark the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season and attract consumers with steep discounts and limited-time offers. Black Friday appeals to in-store shoppers, while Cyber Monday draws online deal hunters, creating a concentrated period of high spending. Together, they set the tone for holiday sales and give businesses a chance to capture strong demand in a short window. 

Moneris spending data and survey results showed a season defined by caution and contrasts. This year, Canadians approached holiday shopping with restraint.

Black Friday drove bigger baskets

Black Friday remained a major shopping event. Week-over-week transaction volumes rose 25 per cent. Canadians responded to concentrated deal periods. Shoppers acted quickly to take advantage of competitive pricing and limited-time offers.

The average transaction size increased by 14 per cent. Shoppers bought more in each visit. Larger baskets suggested strategic buying. People bundled purchases, stocked up, or chose higher-quality items when incentives were strong.

Black Friday showed Canadians were prepared to spend when value was clear. The day drove bigger baskets and set a positive tone for the holiday season.

Spending stayed conservative

An Angus Reid survey commissioned by Moneris found 43 per cent of Canadians planned to spend less than last year. Only seven per cent expected to spend more.

Moneris year-over-year data confirmed this trend. National transaction volume fell by four per cent. The average transaction size dropped by one per cent. What shoppers said matched how they spent.

Alberta tightened budgets

Alberta led the country in cutbacks. 53 per cent of residents planned to reduce holiday spending. Moneris data showed transaction volume down eight per cent and transaction size down two per cent. Albertans were the most cautious.

Ontario showed signs of stability

Nine per cent of Ontarians expected to spend more. This was the strongest increase nationally. Year-over-year data still showed a four per cent decline in spending volume. The smaller dip suggested early momentum toward stabilization.

Other regions stayed between careful and steady. The overall picture was one of thoughtful spending with pockets of optimism.

What can businesses learn from the data and survey results?

•     Highlight value in your promotions. Canadians are price-conscious and respond to clear savings.

•     Offer bundled deals or incentives for larger baskets. Black Friday data showed shoppers buy more when they see strong value.
•     Prepare for concentrated demand. Ensure inventory and staffing are ready for peak days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
•     Optimize online and in-store experiences. Cyber Monday growth shows the importance of seamless digital checkout and flexible payment options.
•     Build loyalty after the sale. Follow up with personalized offers and strong customer service to turn seasonal buyers into repeat customers.