This year, some Canadian border malls are looking to not only steal the American Black Friday sales tradition, but also American shoppers. 

It may be surprising to know that over one third of consumers begin shopping for Christmas nearly nine months ahead. The rest of us, however, start as soon as the leaves — and the prices — begin to fall around Black Friday.

Here in Canada, shopping centres are preparing specials sales that used to be only an American tradition. This year, the hope is the lower Canadian dollar will help convince both Canadians and Americans that the best deals lie north of the border.

For more insight into this marketing trend, global marketing company Epsilon has conducted a consumer holiday shopping survey. The finds, which have been translated into the infographic below, uncovered ways marketers can capitalize on shoppers’ behaviours.

“When it comes to holiday marketing strategy and promotional efforts, marketers need to think holistically, follow external spending patterns, maximize their efforts throughout the year and redirect their dollars accordingly to people who are still shopping,” said Jean-Yves Sabot, Epsilon VP of retail business development.

People between 18 and 34 are the group most likely to buy from US retailers online or shop in the US, according to the UPS survey. Perhaps that’s because they are more likely to be making an occasion of it.

“If the motive is more social, then something like a weak loonie isn’t going to impact that,” said Antonia Mantonakis, a consumer psychologist at Brock University’s Goodman School of Business.

Check out some of the details regarding holiday shoppers and their expected trends from the Epsilon survey below:

Infographic: What shoppers want and where they want to buy it

So, will you be shopping across the border or online this Black Friday for your Christmas presents? Share your plans in the comments below or on social media.

Source: http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/infographic-holiday-preview-what-shoppers-want-and-where-they-want-buy-it-167163