What NOT to buy on Black Friday: How to see past the hype and shop smart

TORONTO — Black Friday sales appear to seduce consumers with a number of can’t-miss deals, though industry experts say there are a number of merchandise categories that you’d be better off avoiding on Nov. 25.

Here are the best Black Friday deals in __canada and where to find them

Whether you took the day off, plan to hit the stores after work or want to shop online, here is a roundup of the Black Friday deals out there for Canadians. Read on

“One could argue that almost anything is fair game for Black Friday — even car dealerships are getting in on it,” said Bruce Winder, partner in Toronto-based consultancy Retail Advisors Network. “The great question is whether or not you are getting a deal. Some retailers are hanging their hat on some nominal discounts, versus offering 50 per cent to 60 per cent off. But a fair amount of people do their homework now, and consumers are becoming wary of retailers’ tricks.”

The biggest trick may be having a sale in the first place. Marketers have long known that seeing a “sale” sign makes many people feel as though they have been given permission to spend freely; others feel that they are doing something virtuous in getting a deal. Fear-of-missing-out syndrome may also be at play. “A lot of the hype around Black Friday is driven by a sense of urgency on missing out on a deal, since it is so heavily advertised and talked about,” said Chris Walsh, industry expert at Fusion Retail Analytics in Toronto.

An analysis by personal finance website WalletHub looked at a number of Black Friday discounts in key categories, comparing prices from other times in the year with those on the annual shopping event. The worst discount came on jewellery, followed by apparel and accessories and consumer electronics — two of the most robust categories when it comes to consumers searching for Black Friday deals.

Here are a few other sub-categories consumers might want to take a pass on for the time being, according to industry experts.

1) Holiday décor and paper: Seasonal trinkets frequently get marked down to lower price on Black Friday, but any bargain hunter knows that a string of Christmas Lights or wrapping paper will be marked down by 70 per cent to 90 per cent come January.

2) Furniture: There are come decent furniture deals out there on Black Friday because furniture is a higher margin category, more flexible for markdowns.

3) Fitness equipment: The busiest month for fitness equipment purchases is January as consumers seek to redeem themselves for calorific holiday indulgence and make New Year’s resolutions. According to Consumer Reports, the deals for treadmills and elliptical trainers are far better in June, when people who are still jogging can just as easily go outside.

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4) Gift cards: While some consumer web sites such as Gift Card Granny and eBay offer discounted credit cards, they rarely sell below their face value at retail, even though they are one of the top holiday gift items in Canada.

5) Snow tires and seasonal equipment: Tire dealers typically offer incentives and sales on tires early in the season — think October — to remind customers to get their tires checked and changed with the season. And while some snow has fallen in Canada by November, snowblowers and shovels don’t get discounted in a significant way until many months later.

6) Winter outerwear and boots: Consumers might see discounts of 25 per cent on selected down-filled parkas and boots, but the real deals don’t come out until clearance season in February and beyond, as retailers realize the diminishing likelihood of selling the goods at full price.

7) Home improvement: “It’s not an opportune time for anyone hoping to do home renovations to get a Black Friday deal,” said Michael McLarney, the North American Retail Hardware Association’s managing director for Canada. Hardware or home improvement products are not sold at a big profit margin compared with other merchandise categories. However, home improvement retailers such as Lowe’s and Home Depot carry major appliances, and many of those do get marked down on Black Friday, McLarney added. “Those are big ticket, and have room for reduced margins.”

Black Friday deals 2016: The best bargains in Canada and where to get them

With the loonie still weighing in below 75 US cents and more Canadian retailers embracing America’s biggest shopping day of the year, many shoppers who traditionally head south for Black Friday will be staying home this year.

How to shop Black Friday — Canadian style

Canadians now spend 25% more on Black Friday than Boxing Day, but many of them never enter a store. Hollie Shaw looks at the biggest shopping blowout of the year — Canada-style. Read on

Add to that possible disruptions at Canada’s second-busiest commercial border crossing at the Blue Water Bridge near Sarnia because of a strike, and Canadians have even more reason to stay home.

Here’s a round-up of the deals you can find in __canada on Black Friday (and even before that) — and remember to check back often, because we will be updating the deals from now until Cyber Monday.

Remember, the early bird gets the best bargain, so check here to find the Black Friday hours of malls across Canada

Apple

Apple is holding its first Black Friday sale in three years and the one-day shopping event online and in stores offers customers gift cards of up to $200.
Here are the offers:

    $35 Apple Gift Card with the purchase of Apple TV
    $35 Apple Gift Card with the purchase of Apple Watch Series 1
    $200 Apple Gift Card with the purchase of select Mac computers (including eligible built-to-order models)
    Up to $70 Apple Gift Card with the purchase of iPhone SE, iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus
    Up to $140 Apple Gift Card with the purchase of iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4 or iPad Pro

Hudson’s Bay

The action starts at Hudson’s Bay stores at 7 a.m. Friday, Nov. 25 with sales lasting until Sunday.

The first 200 customers in each store will get a Savings Card for $20 off any purchase over $100. On Saturday before 1 p.m., shoppers who pay with a Hudson’s Bay MasterCard or Hudson’s Bay Credit Card get an extra 15 per cent off.  

Here’s a look at the best deals:

Apparel:

    Select Lord & Taylor Cashmere Sweaters – $79.99 (regularly $169.00 – $189.00)
    Select Tommy Hilfiger Sweaters – $34.99 (regularly $98.00)
    Women’s Special Occasion Dresses – 30% off
    Women’s Robes – 50% off
    Warner’s and Wonderbra Boxed Bras & Panties – Buy One, Get One Free
    Women’s Coats and Jackets by London Fog, Novelti and Calvin Klein – 50% off
    Select Women’s Shoes and Boots – 40% off
    Select Men’s Dress Shirts & Ties – Buy One, Get One Free

Beauty:

    Lancôme Two-Piece Advanced Genifique Set – $129.00 (regularly $147.00)
    Philosophy Purity Made Simple Onestep Facial Cleanser, 240mL – $15.00 (regularly $32.00)

Kitchen:

    Breville Barista Express Espresso Maker – $549.99 (regularly $799.99)
    Lagostina 20-Piece Ambiente Stainless Steel Pot Set – $219.99 (regularly $899.99)
    Cuisinart Velocity Blender and Food Processor & Smoothie Jars – $99.99 (regularly $214.99)
    T-Fal Super Grill – $99.99 (regularly $169.99)
    Saeco Minuto Carafe Espresso Maker – $849.99 (regularly $1799.99)
    Jamie Oliver by T-Fal Mainstream Stainless Steel 9-Piece Cookware Set – $149.99 (regularly $599.99)

Home:

    Simmons Beautysleep Makayla Queen Euro Top Set – $498.00 (regularly $1598.00)
    Hotel Collection 600 Thread Count Cotton Queen Flat or Fitted Sheets – $66.00 (regularly $165.00)
    Lauren Ralph Lauren Wescott Bath Towels – 50% Off
    IRobot Roomba 650 Vacuum Cleaner – $349.99 (regularly $499.99)
    Rowenta Compact Valet Garment Steamer – $99.99 (regularly $199.99)

Jewellery:

    Guess and Expression Fashion Jewellery – 50% off
    Fine Jewellery 3 Row Pearl Necklace – $79.99 (regularly $330.00)
    Effy Sterling Silver Fresh Water Set – $129.99 (regularly $400.00)
    Effy 18k Yellow Gold and Silver Diamond Pendant – $349.99 (regularly $1200.00)
Get the full Hudson’s Bay flyer at redflagdeals.com

The Source

Canadian electronics chain, The Source, launches its big event on Thursday, Nov. 24 and it runs until Sunday, Nov. 27 with some items available only on select days.

Televisions

    [November 24 only] Fluid 55″ 4K UHD TV – $447.00 (regularly $899.99)
    [November 25-30] Fluid 55″ 4K UHD TV – $549.99 (regularly $899.99)
    [starts November 25] Samsung 50″ 1080p LED Smart TV with 2xHDMI and 60MR – $599.99 (regularly $799.99)
    Fluid 43″ 1080p DLED HDTV with 3xHDMI and 60Hz – $349.99
    [starts November 25] Samsung 55″ 4K Curved UHD TV with 3xHDMI and 120MR – $1099.99 (regularly $1499.99)
    [starts November 25] Samsung 32″ 1080p LED Smart TV with 2xHDMI and 60Hz – $329.99 (regularly $399.99)

Computers and Tablets

    [November 25 only] Asus X-Series Laptop with Intel N3050 Processor, 15.6″ screen, 4GB RAM and 500GB HDD – $297.00 (regularly $397.00)
    [November 26-December 1] Asus X-Series Laptop with Intel N3050 Processor – $359.99 (regularly $397.00)
    [November 27 only] Acer 16GB Iconia 7″ Tablet – $77.00 (regularly $109.99)
    iPad mini 2 Wi-Fi 32GB – $279.99 (regularly $329.99)
    iPod Touch 32GB – $249.99 (regularly $299.99)
    Samsung 8GB Galaxy Tab E Lite 7″ Tablet – $99.99 (regularly $149.99)

Home Theatre and Audio

    [starts November 25] Google Chromecast 2105 – $34.99
    Roku 3500CA HDMI Streaming Stick 2016 – $49.99
    Roku 1 – $29.99

Peripherals and Accessories

    [November 26 only] Beats by dre Solo2 On-Ear Headphones in red – $97.00 (regularly $219.99)
    [November 24-27 only] Nextech 32GB USB Thumb Drive – $8.88

Cameras

    [starts November 25] Canon E05 Rebel T5 18MP DSLR Camera with EF-5 18-55mm Zoom Lens – $379.99 (regularly $529.99)
    [starts November 25] Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera with 10 exposure film – $69.99 (regularly $99.99)

Toys and Video Games

    Xbox One S 1TB Gears of War 4 Bundle with bonus Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition and Xbox Live 3-month subscription card – $379.99
    Xbox One Wireless Controllers – from $59.99
    PS4 Wireless Controllers – $49.99
    PS4 500GB Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End Bundle – $329.99 (regularly $379.99)
    Eagle Eye 2.0 Live Streaming Drone – $99.99 (regularly $149.99)

See the full Source flyer on redflagdeals.com

Sears

Sears deals are available online and in stores from Thursday through Monday, Nov 28 unless otherwise stated.

Here are the best according to redflagdeals
Kitchen & Small Appliances

    Kenmore Pro Heavy Duty Professional Blender – $99.97 (regularly $149.97)
    KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Chef’s Chopper – $34.99 (regularly $89.99)
    T-Fal Actifry Gourmet – $149.99 (regularly $299.99)
    Lagostina Endura 13-Piece Cookware Set – $169.99 (regularly $669.99)
    Tassimo T12 Single Serve Coffee Machine – $59.99 (regularly $119.99)

Home & Furniture

    Hoover Windtunnel 3 Pet Bagless Vacuum – $149.99 (regularly $299.99)
    WholeHome Canterbury Queen Firm Euro Top Sleep Set – $489.99 (regularly $553.99)
    Beautyrest Harmony Verdi Queen Tight Top Sleep Set – $699.99 (regularly $1999.99)
    WholeHome Ruzza Sofa – $979.99 (regularly $2599.99)
    Calla Accent Chair – $149.97 (regularly $299.97)
    Hawley Power Recliner – $299.97 (regularly $749.99)

Major Appliances

    Kenmore 23.9 Cu. Ft. French Door Fridge With Bottom Freezer – $1499.99 (regularly $2449.99)
    Kenmore Fully-Integrated Dishwasher – $599.99 (regularly $899.99)
    Kenmore 30″ Smoothtop Range – $499.99 (regularly $799.99)
    Kenmore Elite Front-Load Steam Laundry Pair – $1899.99 (regularly $3199.99)

Baby

    Delta Waves 3-In-1 Convertible Crib – $99.97 (regularly $199.97)
    Delta Elite Gliding Bassinet – $99.99 (regularly $169.99)
    Summer Infant Pop ‘n Play Ultimate Playard – $69.99 (regularly $119.99)

Toys

    Barbie 2016 Holiday Doll – $29.99 (regularly $49.99)
    Batman Voice-Changer Helmet – $23.99 (regularly $39.99)
    Cozy Coupe Shopping Cart – $19.99 (regularly $39.99)

Outdoors

    Craftsman 24″ 9.5 TP Gas Dual Stage Snowblower – $698.99 (regularly $998.99)
    Yard Machines 28″ 2-Stage Snow Blower – $1149.99 (regularly $1499.99)

Apparel

    Women’s Dresses & Evening Separates – 50% off
    Carrol Reed Women’s Tops 7 Pants – 60% Off
    Select Women’s Outerwear – 60% off
    All Jessica Handbags – 50% off
    Jessica Pieced Leather Gloves – $9.99 (regularly $29.99)
    Jessica Women’s Booties – $29.99 (regularly $79.99)
    Men’s Suiting – 40% off
    Men’s Dress Shirts & Ties – 50% off
    Logan Hill Men’s Shawl Collar & 1/4 Button Down Sweaters – $14.99 (regularly $49.99)
    Girls’ Dresses & Boys’ Dresswear – 50% off
    Kids’ Outerwear – 50% off
    Kids’ Sleepwear – 50% off

Thursday, Nov 24 Only:

    Proscan/RCA 55″ 4K UHD LED TV – $497.97 (regularly $649.96)
    Weslo R5.2 Treadmill – $389.99 (regularly $899.98)

Friday, Nov 25 Only:

    Men’s & Women’s Alpinetek Down Parkas & Bombers – $89.97 to $119.97 (regularly $149.97 to $179.97)

Saturday, Nov 26 Only:

    Men’s, Women’s & Kids’ Sweaters – 60% off
    WholeHome Egyptian Cotton Bath Towels – $8.99 (regularly $24.99)
    WholeHome Towels – 40% off

Sunday, Nov 27 Only:

    Any Size Heys Revolver II or Samsonite Mystique Luggage – $80.00 (regularly $299.00 to $399.99)
    All Other Luggage – 70% off
    Sears Chef Series 10-pc. Cookware Set – $124.99 (regularly $499.99)

Monday, Nov 28 Only:

    7′ Pre-Lit Slim Christmas Tree – $99.99 (regularly $249.99)
    Christmas Trees, Picks, Ribbons & Other Decor – 50% off

Toys “R” Us Canada

Toys R Us sales begin online and in stores Friday, Nov. 25 with some locations opening at 7 a.m. Many items are half price. Here are the highlights:
Arts and Crafts

    Alex Spa Ultimate Sketch It Nail Pens Party – $17.47 (regularly $34.99)
    Crayola Color Cube – $13.47 (regularly $26.99)
    Imaginarium Artist Easel – $37.47 (regularly $74.99)
    PlushCraft Pet Pack – $27.47 (regularly $54.99)
    Scientific Explorer Ultimate Crystal Growing Kit – $22.47 (regularly $44.99)

Board and Table Games

    Battleship – $13.97 (regularly $19.99)
    Hungry Hungry Hippos – $13.97 (regularly $19.99)
    Monopoly – $12.47 (regularly $24.99)
    Trivial Pursuit: 2000s Edition – $19.97 (regularly $39.99)

Building Sets

    20% off all LEGO Duplo building sets
    20% off all LEGO Junior building sets
    LEGO City Fire Station – $103.97 (regularly $129.99)
    LEGO Creator Corner Deli – $39.97 (regularly $49.99)

Cyber Monday Deals, November 28 Only

    Baby Annabell Learns to Walk – $29.97 (regularly $59.99)
    Bright Starts Having A Ball 3-in-1 Step & Ride Lion – $35.97 (regularly $59.99)
    Fisher-Price Bright Beats Build-a-Beat Stacker – $14.97 (regularly $29.99)
    LeapFrog Learn and Groove Table – $29.97 (regularly $49.99)
    Safety 1st Top of Stairs Metal Gate – $29.97 (regularly $59.99)

Dolls and Action Figures

    Animal Planet Animal Kingdom Mega Pack – $27.47 (regularly $54.99)
    Barbie Doll & Furniture Set – $35.97 (regularly $59.99)
    Barbie Saddle ‘N Ride Horse and Doll – $29.97 (regularly $59.99)
    Chubby Puppies & Friends Large Plush – $14.97 (regularly $29.99)
    FurReal Friends Get Up & GoGo My Walkin Pup Pet – $49.97 (regularly $69.99)
    Robots in Disguise Power Heroes – $24.97 (regularly $49.99)
    Star Wars The Black Series First Order Special Forces TIE Fighter – $79.97 (regularly $159.99)

Outdoors

    Avigo 6 Volt Mini Cooper Ride-On – $114.97 (regularly $229.99)
    Bouncesafe 36″ Trampoline with Handle – $34.97 (regularly $69.99)
    Little Tikes Tot Sports Easy Score Basketball Set – $19.97 (regularly $39.99)
    Sit & Play Picnic Table with Umbrella – $39.97 (regularly $79.99)
    Stiga Snow Kick Combo – $67.47 (regularly $89.99)

Play Sets

    Baby Einstein Caterpillar & Friends Play Gym – $44.97 (regularly $89.99)
    Disney Princess Royal Kingdom Kitchen Café – $59.97 (regularly $99.99)
    Fisher Price Big Bang Drumset with Lights – $24.97 (regularly $49.99)
    Imaginarium 150-Piece Wooden Block Set – $19.97 (regularly $39.99)
    Imaginarium Marble Race – $24.97 (regularly $49.99)
    Just Like Home Super Chef Set – $19.97 (regularly $39.99)
    NERF N-Strike Elite Centurion Blaster – $44.97 (regularly $89.99)
    NERF N-Strike Longshot CS-6 Blaster – $39.97 (regularly $79.99)
    Num Noms Go-Go Café Playset with Scented Characters – $22.47 (regularly $44.99)
    PAW Patrol Look-out Play Set – $38.47 (regularly $54.99)
    Secret Island Playhouse – $44.97 (regularly $89.99)
    Step2 Little Cooks Kitchen – $41.97 (regularly $69.99)

Vehicle Sets

    Anki Overdrive Starter Kit – $159.97 (regularly $199.99)
    Fisher-Price Little People Choo-Choo Zoo Train – $14.97 (regularly $29.99)
    Fisher-Price Nickelodeon Blaze and the Monster Machines Flip & Race Speedway – $29.97 (regularly $49.99)
    Go! Go! Smart Wheels Park & Learn Deluxe Garage – $24.97 (regularly $49.99)
    Imaginarium 55-Piece Train Table – $59.97 (regularly $119.99)

Video Games

    New Nintendo 3DS Super Mario Black Edition – $139.99
    [November 25 to 28] PlayStation Dualshock 4 Wireless Controller – $49.97 (regularly $74.99)
    [November 25 to 29] PlayStation 4 Uncharted 4 500 GB Console Bundle – $329.97 (regularly $379.99)
    Skylanders Imaginators Starter Pack – $49.97 (regularly $89.99)
    [November 25 to 28] Xbox One Wireless Controller – $59.97 (regularly $74.99)
    [November 25 to 28] Xbox One S Minecraft Favorites 500GB Bundle – $379.95 with FREE $75.00 Gift Card (regularly $399.99)

Microsoft Store

Deals at Microsoftstore.ca go live at 12 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 24 with free shipping if you order off the website.

Save up to $350 on Surface Pro 4, starting at $829
Save up to $250 on Surface Book i5 128GB, now $1,699
Save $280 on Surface Pro 4 i5 256/8GB
Save up to $425 when purchasing Surface Pro 4 i5 512/8 device and receive free FPR Cover and Sleeve
Buy a Dell Inspiron 15 for $499 (Features: Windows Hello, i5, 8GB, 1TB)
Save up to $70 on select Xbox One S consoles, plus receive a $50 promo code and free select game – starting at $299!
Select Xbox One games – save up to 50%, starting at $29.99
Dell Inspiron 13 for $669, save $330
HP Pavilion x360 for $799, save $200
Dell Inspiron 15 for $799, save $150 (Features: i7, 8GB, Windows Hello)
HP Notebook 15 for $499, save $150
Unlocked Lumia 950XL and receive an Unlocked 950 + Microsoft Display Dock free
HP Elite x3 Bundle
Save $100 on HTC Vive (only a one-day sale, 11/25)

Walmart

Walmart’s deals go live in-store and online starting Nov. 25 with some stores opening as early as 6 a.m.

Here are the highlights

Home/Kitchen

    Keurig K50 Coffeemaker – $49.88 (regularly $98.00)
    Arctic King 5.0 cu ft Chest Freezer – $149.97 (regularly $199.97)
    Bissell PowerClean Bagless Vacuum – $88.97 (regularly $179.98)
    RCA 0.9 cu. Ft. Microwave Oven – $49.97 (regularly $79.97)
    Bosch Tassimo T47 Single Cup Home Brewing System – $59.00 (regularly $139.00)
    T-fal Actifry Family Fryer – $158.00 (regularly $268.88)
    Ninja Professional Blender and Nutri Ninja Cups – $98.00 (regularly $158.88)
    KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer – $228.98 (regularly $348.00)

Televisions:

    Westinghouse 40” Full HD Smart TV – $198.00 (regularly $328.00)
    Westinghouse 55” UHD SMART TV – $398.00 (regularly $598.00)
    LG 49″ 4K UHD Smart LED with WebOS 3.0 – $698.00 (regularly $1098.00)
    LG 55″ 4K UHD Smart LED with WebOS 3.0 – $898.00 (regularly $1298.00)
    Samsung 58″ Full HD Smart LED TV – $748.00 (regularly $998.00)

Gaming:

    Uncharted 4 PlayStation 4 500GB Bundle – $329.96 (regularly $379.96)
    Xbox One 500GB Console – $249.96 (regularly $319.96)
    Sony Dualshock 4 Wireless Controller – $49.96 (regularly $60.96)
    Microsoft Wireless Controller – $49.96 (regularly $64.96)
    Nintendo 3DS Super Mario White Edition – $139.96

Tablets:

    Samsung Galaxy Tab E 7″ Lite Tablet – $99.98 (regularly $149.99)
    Apple iPad Air 2 9.7″ – $448.00 (regularly $499.00)

Audio:

    LG 120W 2.1ch Sound Bar with Subwoofer – $138.00 (regularly $198.00)
    Samsung Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer – $178.00 (regularly $299.99)
    Sony Extra Bass Earbud Headphones with Microphone – $28.00 (regularly $58.00)
    Sony Extra Bass Smartphone Over-Ear Headset – $38.00 (regularly $79.99)
    Beats Solo 2 Over-Ear Headphones – $128.00 (regularly $219.94)

Toys:

    Select Star Wars or Frozen Kids’ Bicycles – $58.00 (regularly $98.00)

Outdoor:

    Snow Joe Ultra 18″ 13-Amp Electric Snow Thrower – $149.00 (regularly $198.00)
    Sunjoy 30″ Slate Fire Pit – $49.00 (regularly $98.00)
    Power It! Electric Pressure Washer – $49.98 (regularly $98.00)

Online Only:

    Samsung 60″ UHD 4K TV – $1398.00 (regularly $1698.00)
    Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0″ 32GB – $399.99 (regularly $449.99)
    Nest Learning Thermostat – $259.00 (regularly $329.00)
    Step2 Anniversary Edition Up and Down Roller Coaster – $98.00 (regularly $169.94)
    Little Tikes Perfect Fit 4-in-1 Trike – $75.00 (regularly $129.00)
    Sports Squad FX40 Table Top Foosball Table – $48.00 (regularly $78.00)
    Joola Midsize Table-Tennis Table – $168.00 (regularly $228.00)
    Eureka AirSpeed All Floors Upright Vacuum Cleaner – $65.00 (regularly $139.96)
    Margaritaville Bahamas Frozen Concoction Maker – $148.88 (regularly $179.86)
    BergHOFF Studio Multi Coloured Knife Set – $39.00 (regularly $59.99)
    Brassex Buffet/Server – $299.00 (regularly $399.00)
    WyndenHall Normandy Entryway Storage Bench – $279.97 (regularly $399.97)

Walmart.ca offers free shipping on orders over $50.
Find the full Walmart flyer on redflagdeals.com

Canadian Tire

Canadian Tire kicks its sale off one day earlier on Red Thursday with deals lasting until Nov. 27. Most stores will open at 7 a.m. Thursday and Friday.

Appliances and Kitchen

    T-Fal ActiFry 1kg – $158.99 (regularly $269.99)
    Lagostina 12-Pc. Artiste Hand Hammered Cookset with Bonus Santoku Knife – $299.99 (regularly $1769.98)
    Cuisinart 14-Pc. Japanese Knife Set – $69.99 (regularly $299.99)
    Lagostina Bianco 2-Pack Fry Pans – $39.99 (regularly $259.98)
    Heritage The Rock Ceramic 10-Pc. Cook Set – $159.99 (regularly $799.99)
    KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer – $228.00 (regularly $449.99)
    Canvas 34-Pc. Mercer Dinnerware Set – $44.99 (regularly $149.99)

Cleaning and Home

    iRobot Roomba 630 Vacuum – $287.99 (regularly $499.99)
    Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Washer – $149.99 (regularly $399.99)
    Hoover Floormate Steam Scrub Pro Pet Vacuum – $79.99 (regularly $199.99)
    Bissel Little Green Proheat Deep Cleaner – $79.99 (regularly $149.99)

Automotive

    Castrol Edge with Fluid Titanium Technology – $26.99 (regularly $53.99)
    MotoMaster Eliminator 1000A Booster Pack – $84.99 (regularly $159.99)
    MotoMaster 4-Pc. Multi-Season Rubber Floor Mat Set – $12.99 (regularly $44.99)

Home Decor

    Canvas Leather Dining Chair – $55.99 (regularly $139.99)
    Hamilton Fireplace – $229.99 (regularly $499.99)
    System Build 4-Drawer Dresser – $49.99 (regularly $79.99)
    4Sight Dash Cam Pony – $69.99 (regularly $169.99)

Home Improvement and Tools

    Stanley 203-Pc. Socket Set – $98.99 (regularly $399.99)
    Dewalt Drill/Driver & Impact Driver Combo Kit – $188.88 (regularly $299.99)
    Mastercraft 230-piece Titanium-Coated Drill Bit Set – $29.49 (regularly $129.99)
    Mastercraft 80-Pc. Screwdriver Set – $19.49 (regularly $129.99)
    Mastercraft 9-Pc. Wobble Extension Bar Set – $9.49 (regularly $39.99)

Electronics

    Airwalk Hoverboard – $399.99 (regularly $599.99)
    Autotrends 4800mAh Power Bank – $12.49 (regularly $49.99)
    Bommbotix Boombot Bass Station – $29.99 (regularly $49.99)

Outdoor/ Garden

    Troy-Bilt 24″ 2-Stage Snowblower – $999.99 (regularly $1299.99)
    Poulan Predator 18″ Gas Chainsaw – $189.99 (regularly $269.99)
    Simoniz 1900 PSI Electric Pressure Washer – $149.99 (regularly $299.99)

Exercise

    Horizon CT5.4 Treadmill – $499.99 (regularly $1999.99)
    Garmin Vivofit Fitness Band – $59.49 (regularly $99.99)
Check out the full flyer at redflagdeals.com

IKEA

The early bird not only gets the deals at IKEA on Black Friday but perks as well. The first 200 visitors at stores between 8 and 9 a.m. on Nov. 25 get a $50 off coupon and the first 500 customers during that time get a free breakfast coupon.
The sales run Friday to Sunday online and in stores.

Here are the highlights
Furniture

    15% off all BESTÅ and TV benches
    15% off living room seating
    EKTORP Sofa – $509.00 (regularly $599.00)
    HEMNES TV Bench – $211.00 (regularly $249.00)
    LISABO TV Bench – $126.00 (regularly $149.00)

Home Decor

    20% off all rugs
    $20.00 coupon with purchase of a $20.00 or more Christmas tree (redeemable January 2 to February 28, 2017)
    Buy one soft toy, get one FREE
    EIVOR CIRKEL Rug – $183.00 (regularly $229.00)
    VALLÖBY Rug – $119.00 (regularly $149.00)
    

Best Buy

Best Buy is offering early deals Thursday in a pre-Black Friday VIP sale.

Appliances and Kitchen

    Cuisinart Classic 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set – $149.99 (regularly $599.99)
    KitchenAid Custom Stand Mixer, 4.26L – $269.99 (regularly $479.99)

Cell Phones

    Apple iPhone 6s 32GB Smartphone – $0.00 with Select 2 Year Plans with FREE $100.00 Gift Card (regularly $269.99)
    Apple iPhone 7 32GB Smartphone – $299.99 with Select 2 Year Plans (regularly $399.99)
    Google Pixel 32GB Smartphone – $99.99 with Select 2 Year Plans (regularly $399.99)

Computers and Components

    ASUS VivoBook Max 15.6″ Laptop with Intel Core i5 Processor, 8GB RAM, 1TB Hard Drive and Windows 10 – $549.99 (regularly $749.99)
    HP Pavilion 13.3″ Touch Convertible Laptop with Intel Core i5 Processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD and Windows 10 – $699.99 (regularly $899.99)
    HP 15.6″ Laptop with Intel Core i3 Processor, 8GB RAM, 1TB Hard Drive and Windows 10 – $499.99 (regularly $699.99)

Home Theatre and Audio

    Bose SoundSport In-Ear Sport Headphones – $59.99 (regularly $99.99)
    Samsung Flat 2.1 Channel Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer – $199.99 (regularly $349.99)
    Sonos PLAY:1 Wireless Speaker – $199.99 (regularly $249.99)
    Ultimate Ears BOOM 2 Bluetooth Wireless Speaker – $149.99 (regularly $249.99)

Peripherals and Accessories

    ASUS 31.5″ WQHD 60Hz 5ms IPS LED Monitor – $349.99 (regularly $499.99)
    Lexar JumpDrive S57 128GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive – $27.99 (regularly $99.99)
    Logitech Harmony Ultimate Home – $299.99 (regularly $349.99)
    Logitech Touch Plus Wireless Keyboard – $29.99 (regularly $49.99)
    WD My Passport Ultra 3TB 2.5″ Portable External Hard Drive – $119.99 (regularly $199.99)

Smart Home

    Philips Hue A19 Smart LED Light Bulb Starter Kit – $129.99 (regularly $179.99)
    Ring WiFi 720p Video Doorbell – $169.99 (regularly $239.99)

Televisions

    Sharp 50″ 1080p LED Roku Smart TV – $499.99 (regularly $649.99)
    Toshiba 55″ 4K UHD LED TV – $699.99 (regularly $899.99)

Toys

    DJI Phantom 3 4K Quadcopter Drone with Camera & Battery – $849.99 (regularly $1279.99)
    Sphero BB-8 App-Enabled Droid – $129.99 (regularly $189.99)

Video Games

    PlayStation 4 Gold Wireless Stereo Headset – $79.99 (regularly $119.99)
    PlayStation 4 500GB Uncharted 4 Bundle – $329.99 (regularly $379.99)
    Xbox One S 1TB Gears of War 4 + NHL 17 Bundle – $379.99 (regularly $529.99)

You can get the full Black Friday flyer at redflagdeals.com

Wayfair Canada

Wayfair Canada’s Black Friday sale came early and is now live at Wayfair.ca:  Here are some of the deals:

·         Bedding and Sheets / UP TO 70% OFF
·         Headboards / FROM $100
·         Sofas and Sectionals / UP TO 65% OFF
·         Patio Furniture / UP TO 70% OFF
·         Large Area Rugs (8x10s) / UNDER $200
·         Mattresses / FROM $149
·         Kitchen Furniture  / UNDER $400
·         Wall Art / UNDER $100
·         Youth Bedroom / UP TO 70% OFF
·         Accent Chairs / FROM $65
·         Lighting / UP TO 70% OFF
·         Office Furniture / UNDER $150
·         Pillows and Curtains / UNDER $50
·         Backyard Play / UP TO 60% OFF
·         Drinkware Sets / UNDER $50
·         Lawn Decor / FROM $20
·         Bathroom Updates / FROM $30
·         Garage Storage / FROM $30

Costco

Costco is offering coupons for Black Friday that are available in the store

Here are the highlights:

    $25.00 off Harry Potter Complete Blu-ray Collection
    $20.00 off M*A*S*H Complete DVD Collection
    $20.00 off Breaking Bad Complete DVD Series or Outlander Seasons 1 and 2 on DVD
    $5.00 off custom photo calendars
    $5.00 off Phoenix My First Smart Pad/Music Fun
    $4.00 off Bicycle playing cards, 9 decks

Indigo

Indigo kicks off its Black Friday sale Thursday, Nov. 24, and along with bargains customers get free gift wrap at IndigoKids and 2 for 1 Starbucks coffee

Here are some of the offers which are exclusively in-store

Select Toys & Baby Items – 25% off
Select LEGO – 25% off
Fitbit Trackers — $40 off
 Kobo Aura – $99.99 (regularly $129.99)
Door Crashers – $15.00
Ornaments, Lights, and Tress – 40% off
Select Home Decor – 40% off
Reading Socks – 30% off
Super Soft Scarves – 40% off
Select Agendas & Calendars – 30% off    

Sport Chek

Black Friday at Sport Chek began on Wednesday, Nov. 23, but shoppers get an extra saving on Black Friday with no tax on purchases bought in stores between 8 and 10 a.m. local time.

Here are some of the deals:

Men

    Adidas Lightster Bounce Running Shoes – $54.99 (regularly $109.99)
    New Balance Mx713 2E Training Shoes – $64.99 (regularly $109.99)
    Reebok SubLite Train 4.0 Training Shoes – $54.99 (regularly $99.99)
    Reebok Toronto Maple Leafs Premier Home Hockey Jersey (Old Logo) – $49.99 (regularly $139.99)
    The North Face Jsno Triclimate Jacket – $214.99 (regularly $359.99)

Women

    Asics Gel Cumulus 17 Running Shoes – $99.99 (regularly $159.99)
    Columbia Iceberg Insulated Jacket – $99.99 (regularly $189.99)
    PUMA Essential Fleece Cuffed Pants – $29.99 (regularly $59.99)
    Saucony PowerGrid Guide 8 Running Shoes – $74.99 (regularly $149.99)
    The North Face Thermoball Button-Up Winter Boots – $74.99 (regularly $129.99)

Sports Equipment and Electronics

    CCM RIBCOR 46K Grip Hockey Stick – $69.99 (regularly $119.99)
    Fitbit Alta Fitness Tracker – $129.99 (regularly $169.99)
    Garmin vívofit 3 Activity Tracker – $99.99 (regularly $139.99)
    GoPro Hero Session Bundle – $249.99 (regularly $349.99)
    Wilson CROSSOVER Basketball – $24.99 (regularly $49.99)

More to come …

10 holiday gift ideas for food lovers: Luxe bonbons, honouring your food hero, and more festive treats

From the ultimate French comfort food to giving back, these gifts are sure to please the food lovers in your life.

LUXE BONBONS

Classic Collection, Chocolates X Brandon Olsen

With flavours like orange blossom and honey, salted caramel, and sherry and milk chocolate, who could resist Chocolates X Brandon Olsen’s Classic Collection? Choose either 9 or 18 pieces of the Toronto-based chef and chocolatier’s creative confections, which come packaged in a hand-painted box. ($20.25-$40.50, cxbo.ca/shop/)

#MYFOODHERO

Donation to Community Food Centres Canada

Celebrate your food hero by making a donation to Community Food Centres Canada (CFCC) in their honour. The food hero will receive a personalized e-card and downloadable booklet filled with recipes and stories from chefs such as David Rocco, Lora Kirk, and Jamie Oliver. “Everyone has a food hero in their life – someone who shows that they care through food. At CFCC, we also use food to show that we care, and we do that through programs in low-income communities,” says Christina Palassio, Director of Communications. (any amount, myfoodhero.cfccanada.ca)

HAND-FORGED

Carbon Steel Frying Pan, Willow Creek Forge

Master Blacksmith Martin Reinhard’s carbon steel frying pans will last a lifetime. Hand-forged in Nanton, Alta., Reinhard’s pans marry form and function. The braided handle reduces heat transfer, and its hand-hammered floor “readily acquires a truly nonstick surface – a patina of polymerized oil to produce a high caliber cooking surface.” ($150-$220, willowcreekforge.com)

SPICE TREKKERS

The Spice Trekkers Cook at Home, Épices de Cru

Ethné and Philippe de Vienne are the Spice Trekkers. Since 1982, they’ve travelled the world sourcing spices and teas for their Montreal-based company Épices de Cru. Their latest cookbook, The Spice Trekkers Cook at Home, is accompanied by an impressive palette of 28 spices and blends. (US$59.95, spicetrekkers.com)

PICNIC-READY

Pallares Solsona Pocket Knife in Olive Wood, Atelier St. George

Perfect for keeping close by should the mood for snacking strike, the Pallares Solsona Pocket Knife is pleasing to hold. Handmade in Spain and available from Vancouver-based 7e7, it features a smooth, hand-hewn olive wood handle and petal-shaped stainless steel blade. ($95, atelierstgeorge.com)

SWEET STUFF

Preserve Set, Preservation Society

Camilla Wynne’s Preservation Society makes small batch preserves in Montreal. The gift set includes three jars of “surprise seasonal preserves.” With varieties such as white grapefruit with vanilla, and baked apple, it makes for a sweet holiday treat. Pair it with Wynne’s cookbook, Preservation Society Home Preserves: 100 Modern Recipes, for the aspiring home preserver. ($30, foodiepages.ca)

FESTIVE SPIRIT

Pear Eau de Vie, Ironworks Distillery

There’s a pear grown inside every bottle of this limited release Eau de Vie (fruit brandy) from Lunenburg, N.S.’s Ironworks Distillery. “(It’s) meant to be enjoyed at the end of a meal, neat and at room temperature in order to get the full experience of the pear flavour,” co-owner Lynne MacKay says. “This is the beverage you pour into those impossibly small expensive glasses that you got years ago and never use.” ($134.80, ironworksdistillery.com)

CASSOULET COMFORT

Cassoulet Gift Box, Rancho Gordo

The comfort food lovers on your list are sure to appreciate this hearty, humble, slow-cooked Southern French invention. Rancho Gordo’s Cassoulet Gift Box includes two pounds (one kilogram) of Cassoulet Beans, which are grown in California from French Haricots Tarbais seed, and a copy of Cassoulet: A French Obsession by Gascony-based Kate Hill. See ranchogordo.com/pages/shipping-charges for shipping options for Canada. (US$29.95, ranchogordo.com)

HOME-GROUND

KoMo Stone Mills: Fidibus 21, GRAIN

Bakers are increasingly turning to home-ground whole grain flours for freshness, taste, texture, and nutrition. GRAIN founders Shira McDermott and Janna Bishop exclusively use stone-milled flour ground from Canadian grains. “We love the KoMo for its beautiful design, craftsmanship and minimalist footprint on our counters,” they say. “The stones crush the grains gently, keeping them at a cool temperature, preserving the wonderful aromatics and nutrition.” ($499, eatgrain.ca)

FERMENT IT

Vegetable Fermentation Jar, Sarah Kersten Studio

Ceramicist Sarah Kersten specializes in functional pottery. Her fermentation jars “are inspired by ancient Chinese waterlock jars and designed to make vegetable fermentation simple, inspiring, and tidy.” The sculptural pieces are lined with food-safe glaze and are available in several colours: gunmetal, atmospheric white, and classic white. (US$175-$280, sarahkersten.com)

Related

• Great gift ideas for pet lovers
• How to keep The Homebody on your shopping list cozy through the holidays

Divorce is never easy and your heart may be broken, but that doesn’t mean your wallet needs to be too

The average cost of an uncontested divorce is $1,845, but a contested divorce can cost anywhere from $6,145 to $87,974, with the average being $13,638, according to Canadian Lawyer’s 2015 legal fees survey. But this doesn’t factor in moving fees, new living expenses, the division of your assets and debts, and possibly child and spousal support.

No surprise then that to reduce money stress, nearly one quarter of divorced or separated millennials and Gen-Xers delayed their divorce because of unexpected costs, a recent TD survey found.

“I have a friend who is in for $280,000 (in legal fees),” said Dean Bergsma, an Edmonton-based divorce mediator. “It’s been going on for four or five years and it’s a complex case … But divorce does not have to be expensive.”

It’s possible, he said, to have a split that is financially fair and that fits your family situation without having to go broke. Here are 12 tips to having a money smart divorce.

Related

• When boomers should turn the taps off (or on) when it comes to financial assistance for their kids
• How to pass on the family cottage without destroying your family in the process
• A new formula for wealth management: Rather than hiding from the market, go back to the basics

BEFORE THE DIVORCE

1. Educate yourself about your finances
“With so many people, their level of financial literacy is not very high. On top of that, they may not be involved in the family finances,” said Sharon Numerow, a certified divorce financial analyst at Alberta Divorce Finances. “The less you are in the know, the less you’re equipped to make decisions, and divorce demands permanent decision making.” Start by figuring out what you and your spouse have in terms of assets and debts. Print out your financial statements. If you’re lost, consider seeking guidance from a financial adviser.

2. Make yourself a budget
How much are each of you currently making and how is that spent? Now, if you leave, how much will you need to cover rent, living expenses, vehicle costs, child-care fees or possibly child support and maybe spousal support, etc.? “The biggest challenge for couples going through divorce is now we’re going to take the same pot of money and try and support two households rather than one,” Numerow said. “A couple would need 30-per-cent more income to enjoy a similar standard of living in two households as they did when they were in the same home.”

3. Check your emotions
“There are big problems when people decide they’re going to be real jerks,” said Wendy Olson-Brodeur, president of The Financial Divorce Specialist Inc. “You can find yourself a real hard-nosed litigation lawyer and fight for every drop of blood. That is going to cost a lot of money and you just don’t know what’s going to happen at the end of it.”

4. Don’t do stupid sh*t that you’ll pay for later
For example, don’t run out and max out your credit cards or spend all your money on a trip to Vegas with the boys because you’re assuming that half of it will be covered by your soon-to-be ex, Bergsma said. “Once you start into that vortex of conflict and everybody is out to get the other person, you can’t get off the train.”

5. Consider your options for the divorce process
In a divorce, people can self-represent; they can seek help from a mediator; or they can also choose a collaborative team that may include lawyers, mediators, counsellors, child specialists and a financial analyst. In Alberta, mediation can range from $300 to $700 per hour. The hourly rate for collaboration will likely be more, because you’re paying for multiple professionals. Meanwhile, certified divorce financial analysts may charge $150 to $300 an hour. “Spend a bit of money on the process in the beginning so you’re not spending a lot of money trying to fix it later on,” said Darren Gingras, chief executive of The Common Sense Divorce. (The average cost at The Common Sense divorce is $4,500 per person for the services of a team.) The Canadian Lawyer’s Legal Fees Survey estimates that a family trial of up to five days costs an average of $35,950.

DURING NEGOTIATIONS

6. Understand how much you may pay or receive in child support
Child support is mandated by the law and is based on custody. “The more time that a child is with one parent, the other parent is more responsible financially,” said Faisal Karmali, a certified divorce financial analyst at Popowich Karmali Advisory Group CIBC Wood Gundy. In the case of a full custody situation, an Ontario resident making $60,000, would pay $546 a month in child support for one child and $892 for two children. The final amount varies as determining income can become complicated if the calculation includes dividends, bonuses, corporate income, etc.

7. Be aware that spousal support is not a given
It is negotiable. For example, you may offer to give up an asset in lieu of spousal support payments, or agree to pay for a certain period of time. “If applicable, the amount and duration is negotiable. You may offer to pay a lump sum, make periodic payments — which can be reviewed at a future time — or pay a combination of both,” said Matthew Ball, president of Fairway Divorce Solutions, a dispute resolution company.

8. When you split up, you split everything, including debt
“I’m dealing with a young gal who’d been married maybe four years and found out that her spouse has an addiction problem with gambling. The debt keeps going up and up,” Olson-Brodeur said. “The problem is that the law doesn’t necessarily protect us. She will likely be responsible, from a legal perspective, for paying half of that debt back.”

9. Be mindful when choosing your half of the pie
Half today isn’t always half tomorrow. “Let’s say I’ve got a car worth $50,000 and a pension worth $50,000,” Olson-Brodeur said. “I agree to take the car while my spouse gets the pension. Guess who’s ahead in the long run? The pension as an asset grows over time while the car keeps devaluing.” Your assets may also have tax implications, such as taxes owing when you sell profitable equities.

10. Don’t anchor yourself to your home at all costs
“Divorce the house before you divorce the spouse,” Karmali said. “I’ve seen many people, primarily woman, who’ve stayed in a house they can’t afford … They may be giving up on other cash, retirement savings, education savings and, all of a sudden, they’re left with the expenses of taking care of a home and other expenses.”

11. Consult an expert about legal and financial issues
“Don’t make assumptions about the settlement before you have your facts,” Bergsma said. “The Internet is a wonderful place to look at picture of cute kittens. It’s a lousy place to get your legal information.” For example, you may assume that you will receive half your wife’s inheritance in a divorce, but it may be excluded from the division of property if it’s been kept in her name. Or you may be surprised when an Alberta judge uses the current date to determine the value of your assets. (Ontario courts use the date of separation.) Imagine having your day in court four years after you’ve separated and finding out that half of your savings from the last few years is going to pay for the debt that your soon-to-be-ex has since accumulated.

AFTER THE DIVORCE

12. Be aware and live within your means
“Many people (think): ‘I’m 40-years-old. I’m pressing the reset button. I refuse to move into a condo. I refuse to not have my Audi,’” Bergsma said. “People make poor choices because they’re emotionally hurt and they’re doing retail therapy, just with bigger numbers.” You also want to be prepared for the unexpected: for example, what if your ex injures himself, can no longer work and therefore does not have income to pay spousal support?

13. Don’t be afraid to revisit the agreement terms
Hopefully, this is done amicably if circumstances change. Some contracts are non-negotiable, others have time provisions written in so couples can revisit terms such as spousal support. “Right from the beginning, set up roads of negotiation because then after the agreement is done, if things need to be addressed, you’ve already got a process in place,” Gingras said. “Choosing a process that is amicable is better for the kids, better for your finances and, ultimately, better for you.”

Rufus Wainwright buys enchanting storybook house in the Hollywood Hills for $1.45M

Our boy Rufus (we can claim him, given he spent his formative years with his mother and aunt in Montreal) and  his husband, Jörn Weisbrodt, have purchased a little pied-à-terre in L.A., and it’s not the typically low Mediterranean ranch style we expect of celebrity housing in California. This one is a 1920s “California storybook” home, a light-hearted style created some 100 years ago, when an indulgent husband created one as a sales space for his wife’s handmade dolls. Before long people were knocking on their door asking him to build such a home for them. Similar designs popped up around Carmel and around L.A. for retail kiosks and shops. Tell-tale signs are turrets, off-kilter windows, thatch or shake roofing with curvy edges, and cobblestone paths. It’s a goofy riff on the Tudor style of home, which was also seeing a revival at that time.

House of the day

Homes and cottages we’d love to have — whether we can afford them or not

Key details:
• 2,100 sq. ft.
• 3 bedrooms, 3 baths
• $1,450,000
• Anita Rich, Keller Williams Realty
• see Zillow story here

The Wainwright/Weisbrodt house is 2,119 square feet with three bedrooms, built high on a hill and accessed by a steep stucco-walled staircase. Diamond-pane windows and bump-out window seats in the treetops add to the fairy-tale vibe. Daughter Lorca will love it; we’re betting her bedroom will be a princess’s dream (she’s five!).

The sunken living room has a wood-burning fireplace with an offset niche (for one of their many awards, or a vintage trinket Weisbrodt has picked up on their travels), and French doors to a balcony. It sounds like they like their homes romantic, given that they are, too (to wit, this interview about their Toronto rental).

The kitchen has recently been updated with pro-grade appliances, and features new flagstone flooring.

The dining room is very cottage-like with its wood ceiling and Arts & Crafts pendant light. Wainwright considers himself “the Bohemian” of the two, Weisbrodt is a little more orderly, but they both like vintage designer furniture with a story.

The office/den is circular, which is rather what one would expect in a pixie palace. Depending on its acoustics, perhaps it will become Wainwright’s song-writing studio, with a piano in one “corner” and a guitar in another.

A long, private terrace will allow him and Weisbrodt, former Luminato artistic director, to hang out with their many bold-face pals.

A Seven Dwarves-like footbridge spans the banks of the koi pond, adding to the whimsical design both inside and out.

A perfect home for two artsy types, who, when out of the spotlight, long for nothing more than “a quiet street with birds chirping and dogs barking and a beautiful husband to take care of,” as Wainwright has said.

Here’s a story of how Storybook cottages came to be.

If you have an interesting listing, reno or just a really neat home — whether it’s for sale or not, drop us a line with a few words telling us about it.

Related

• House of the day archive