Consumers are getting an early taste of Boxing Day prices as retailers slash prices to lure shoppers.
The shoppers responded, packing malls such as Yorkdale on Saturday, along with warehouse outlets. Inside, they saw some stores with signings advertising up to 50 per cent off some goods.
One shopper said that while people may have a feeling of fear in their workplaces, he wasn't seeing that in the mall.
At the Samko and Miko toy sale in Markham, people in line said it was important to save money and stick to a budget.
Betty Kotzer said business is the busiest it's been in 35 years -- something she attributes to the shaky state of the economy.
"The want to give something to their kids, and they want to spend as little as possible," she said.
Although there are good deals to be had, one consumer advocate warned consumers to avoid adding to this country's already-skyrocketing consumer debt.
"Go out there now, but as I say, watch your budget," said Mel Fruitman, vice-president of the Consumers' Association of Canada. "Don't get seduced by the sales into going into debt."
That being said, buying now rather than waiting for Boxing Day could mean a better choice of goods, he said.
Fruitman also said there could be a downside for businesses as a result of the early price-cutting.
Many stores could take a hit on their profits, which could have implications in the future, he said.
With a report from CTV Toronto's Naomi Parness
