Black Friday numbers spike at Devonshire
Shoppers browse through the halls of Devonshire Mall on Black Friday, Nov. 28, 2014. Over the last four years, Windsor retailers have become more involved in the traditional American holiday. Doors opened at 6 a.m. and customers filled the stores making this year busier than last. By 3:30 p.m. the mall saw around 25,000 people walk through the doors. Photo by Mandy Matthews
By Mandy Matthews
The Canadian doors opened to an American tradition at six this morning when Devonshire Mall revealed their sales.
Over the last four years, Windsor has adapted their retailers to a more close-to-home experience.
Due to the proximity to the states, Windsorites more frequently travel across the boarder to find cheaper gas and groceries. The Ambassador bridge sees around 400 million goods bring transported between the two countries everyday.
“It’s an easier way to shop instead of crossing the border and I’d rather support our Canadian side instead of the States,” said Mary Abboud, five-time Black Friday shopper.
The mall stayed open for sixteen hours and Abboud said she expects to shop until close at 10 p.m.
Last year, Devonshire saw around 37,000 customers and this year General Manager Chris Savard said he expects to see close to 40,000.
“The trend we are seeing is a very positive one at Devonshire, not just for Black Friday or the Christmas season,” said Savard. “Devonshire has seen growth in sales, growth in occupancy and daily customer counts.”
However, not every store is participating in the Black Friday frenzy. Origins Global Village sells hand-crafted, imported items which are priced at value.
“It’s an insult, in a way, to deeply discount these products,” said Heather Malek. “Black Friday belongs more to the American market, to be honest, I think it’s great that Canada’s gotten on board with it, but again, I think it belongs to certain stores, certain markets.”
The immediacy expressed through footsteps and the crinkling of bags went by Origins. By 3:30 p.m. Savard said 25,000 people came through the mall.
“Canadians are recognizing that there are deals to be had and lots of great opportunities to come to shopping centres not only here in Windsor, but across the country to take advantage of some of the savings that our retailers will be providing that day,” said Savard.
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