Black Friday and Cyber Monday gain popularity in Canada

Consumers shop for bargains, both in-store and online

TORONTO, Dec. 6, 2013 /CNW/ - Moneris Solutions Corporation ("Moneris"), Canada's largest credit and debit card processor, announced today that Black Friday and Cyber Monday spending in Canada jumped 19.19 per cent and 29.33 per cent, respectively, compared to last year. This indicates that these traditionally popular U.S. shopping days - which are still relatively new to Canada - are gaining significant traction north of the border.

The Moneris Spending Report shows that department stores saw the largest increase in spending on Black Friday, at 26.21 per cent, compared to the same day in 2012. This was followed by apparel, with a 20.22 per cent jump in dollars spent. Within the apparel category, men's clothing saw the highest year-over-year growth at 53.24 per cent, making it one of the most popular purchases on Black Friday 2013. Within specialty retail, camera and photography supplies (40.28 per cent), sporting goods (39.96 per cent) and shoe stores (36.58 per cent) proved to be popular among Canadian bargain hunters this year.

Online sales on Cyber Monday also skyrocketed, generating a spending increase of 29.33 per cent, compared to the same day in 2012. Specialty retail topped the spending list, with a 39.23 per cent jump in dollars spent. Within the specialty retail category, sporting goods (105.46 per cent) and shoe stores (93.43 per cent) were the most popular among Canadian shoppers on Cyber Monday. The apparel category sales also rose by 27.33 per cent compared to the same day in 2012.

Interestingly, while consumer electronics (including radio, television and stereos) experienced a drop (-35.02 per cent) in year-over-year sales on Black Friday, the opposite was true on Cyber Monday (45.82 per cent). This may suggest that Canadian shoppers were less likely to brave the stores and possible crowds for these items on Black Friday, choosing instead to wait for online deals on Cyber Monday.

"This year's Black Friday and Cyber Monday were a real win-win for Canadian shoppers and merchants, alike," said Jeff Guthrie, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Moneris. "While shoppers took advantage of pre-holiday bargains, merchants boosted their end-of-year revenues, with nearly all retailers seeing their sales increase significantly compared to 2012. This spending spike might be an early sign of a busier holiday shopping season this year."

About The Moneris Spending Report
The Moneris Spending Report provides a snapshot of consumer spending activity in Canada by analyzing credit and debit card transaction data. As the market leader with the largest merchant base, Moneris presents detailed analysis and insight on a quarterly basis. The percentages cited are derived from actual sales volumes - the dollar values of credit and debit card transactions being processed by Moneris merchants.

About Moneris Solutions
As one of North America's largest providers of payment processing solutions, Moneris Solutions Corporation ("Moneris") offers credit, debit, wireless and online payment services for merchants in virtually every industry segment and processes more than three billion transactions, annually. Through its Ernex division, Moneris offers electronic loyalty and stored-value gift card programs. With more than 350,000 merchant locations, Moneris provides the hardware, software and systems needed to improve business efficiency and manage payments. For more information please visit www.moneris.com.

SOURCE: Moneris Solutions Corporation