The best Black Friday deals in Toronto and where to find them

With American Thanksgiving nearly here, it’s time to brace for rampant, riot-like shopping. Yes, November 23 is Black Friday, the infamous American sale event when crazed holiday shoppers buy enough merchandise to put retailers “in the black” for the year. In recent years, the idea has migrated north, giving Canadians a chance to cash in on the often ridiculous discounts. Stores frequently try to keep the details of the sales hush-hush until the big day, but we’ve rounded up some of the spots in the city where you should be able to score a sale. Here, the best Black Friday deals in Toronto.

• Eaton Centre: The doors open at 6 a.m. and won’t close until 9:30 p.m. Notable sales are taking place at the Apple Store, the Microsoft Holiday Pop-up Store, The Gap (up to 60 per cent off everything), Banana Republic (40 per cent off your entire purchase before noon) and Michael Kors. Willing to wake up before dawn for a deal? Show up early (like, first 100 people early) to snag a $10 gift card at Guest Services on level 2.

• Yorkdale Shopping Centre: The newly expanded mall will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Retailers are being tight-lipped on what, if anything, they’re marking down, but some, including Anthropologie and Ann Taylor, are hinting at sales.

• The Shops at Don Mills: The Shops at Don Mills are also getting in on the action with sales and extended hours. Anthropologie and Leigh and Harlow will be be opening early, at 7 a.m., and even Coach is participating. Check out the details.

• Vaughan Mills: Want to shop but hate to park? Shuttles to Vaughan Mills will be leaving from Union Station at 7 a.m., 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Retailers including J.Crew, Aritzia and Holt Renfrew Last Call are offering deep discounts (up to 80 per cent off!), and shopping will run from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Check out the details.

• Sears: Shoppers can stock up on discounted suits and separates, but kitchenware is a better bet. Everything from skillets to espresso machines will be marked down, and if you’re going big, stoves, refrigerators and dishwashers will be bargains, too. Check out the flyer.

• Best Buy: The big-box electronics retailer has drawn crowds in the thousands for its massive Black Friday sales in the States. Show up early, though; Best Buy’s Doorbuster sales–sharply reduced items available in limited quantities–are the real steals.

• Future Shop: The electronics retailer is opting for a Black Weekend sale, but true deal-hunters will show up for the Friday blitz.

• Walmart: With too many discounts to list, we doubt even Walmart knows the extent of its rollbacks (here’s a sample). It’ll be busy and it’ll be cheap.

• The Bay: The quintessential Canadian retailer is eschewing the traditional Black Friday sale for single-day flash sales on specific items. Think $118 off Guess down puffer jackets, or nearly half off Lord and Taylor cashmere sweaters.

• Urban Outfitters: We get it: You’re reluctant to shell out full price for out-there pieces like a skull cutout tee or Elephant paisley leggings that you might wear once or twice. However, the retailer is offering 50 per cent off already-reduced items, making it easier to pull the trigger on statement-making garments.

• Ben Sherman: Ben Sherman is offering up to 50 per cent off menswear and accessories at its location at 734 Queen St. W. Bonus: you can avoid the malls, so shopping shouldn’t be quite so hectic.