Canadian Thanksgiving Sale: A Hidden Goldmine for Local Shopify Brands
When online retailers think about the big sales season, their minds jump straight to Black Friday or Cyber Monday. But there’s another event, quietly sitting in October, that holds powerful potential for Canadian brands—Canadian Thanksgiving.
The Canadian Thanksgiving holiday isn’t just about turkey and pumpkin pie. It also marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season, giving shoppers a reason to browse, buy, and prepare for what’s coming next.
In fact, with more Canadians shopping online than ever before, Canadian Thanksgiving sales have become a hidden goldmine. According to a report last year, 67% of Canadians plan to do at least some of their holiday shopping online. That means online retailers have a real chance to connect with holiday shoppers before the major rush begins.
For local Shopify brands, it’s the perfect time to test your offers, improve your strategy, and boost retail sales, all while your customers are relaxed, thankful, and in the mood to spend.
In this blog, we will help you understand why Canadian Thanksgiving sales are crucial for your business. We will also share some effective sales tips to boost your Shopify store during the holiday weekend.
When is the Canadian Thanksgiving Holiday in 2025?
Canadian Thanksgiving in 2025 will be celebrated on Monday, October 13. It’s a national holiday that always falls on the second Monday of October every year. That means it’s earlier than the American Thanksgiving, which happens in late November.
This holiday falls right in the middle of fall when the air turns crisp, leaves change color, and families gather to share a meal and give thanks for the year’s blessings.
This timing also makes it one of the first major holidays of the season, giving online businesses a head start before the rush of Black Friday sales and Christmas shopping begins.
For local brands and online retailers, Canadian Thanksgiving 2025 is a smart time to plan seasonal campaigns, launch early promotions, and connect with customers before the market gets crowded.
What is Canadian Thanksgiving Day and its Importance?
While it may seem similar to the American version, Canadian Thanksgiving has its own history and meaning.
What Makes it Different from U.S. Thanksgiving:
- It happens earlier in October, giving brands a head start on holiday promotions before Cyber Monday or Black Friday deals.
- In Canada, Thanksgiving began as a celebration of the harvest, unlike the U.S., where it’s rooted in historical traditions and family gatherings.
- Celebrations are simpler, with smaller family gatherings and less travel compared to the U.S.
- No major shopping rush follows, so businesses can stand out without heavy competition.
Why Canadian Thanksgiving Sale is a Hidden Goldmine for Local Shopify Brands?
While most brands focus their money and energy on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the Canadian Thanksgiving sale quietly offers a golden chance for local Shopify stores to shine.
With fewer big campaigns crowding the space, it’s easier (and cheaper) to grab attention, whether through social ads, search engine traffic, or email promotions. It’s also the perfect time to test out your holiday strategy early; try bundles, discounts, or new messaging before the November rush hits.
Plus, since Thanksgiving in Canada lands on a Monday, shoppers enjoy a long weekend to relax, browse online, and start thinking about gift ideas. That extra downtime creates the perfect window for early holiday sales.
How to Make Your Shopify Store the First Click This Thanksgiving?
1. Give Your Store a Festive Makeover
Make your Shopify store feel like fall! Use warm tones like rust, orange, and gold on your homepage. Add Thanksgiving-themed visuals, leaves, pumpkins, and banners with messages like “Happy Thanksgiving” or “Cozy Canadian Thanksgiving Sale.”
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- This enhances the shopping experience and shows customers you’re celebrating with them. A few more bonus tips to try:
- Use product names like “Thankful Finds” or “Holiday Picks” for seasonal appeal without launching new inventory.
- You can also add small Thanksgiving touches to your product photos, like placing items next to seasonal props (a mug of hot cider, cozy blankets, mini pumpkins).
- If you sell customizable products, try adding limited-time Thanksgiving-themed options like special fonts, leaf patterns, or gratitude-themed messages on packaging.
These little details can make your Canadian Thanksgiving sale feel truly special without needing a full product overhaul.
2. Start Early with Pre-Thanksgiving Deals
Shoppers are no longer waiting for Black Friday; 25% of holiday shoppers in Canada started shopping in October 2024, up from 19% the previous year. That makes Canadian Thanksgiving the perfect time to catch them early, while competition is still low.
Launch your Thanksgiving sale in Canada early to get ahead of the Black Friday deals noise. Use countdown timers and urgency lines like “Only 24 Hours Left!” or “Early Bird Gets the Deal.”
These small prompts help create FOMO and encourage faster decisions. A few more unique tips to try:
- Offer tiered deals (e.g., “Buy 2, Get 10% Off; Buy 3, Get 20%”) to boost cart value. Stack this with free shipping for higher conversions.
- You can also create limited-time bundles, like a cozy set of your bestsellers labeled “Thanksgiving Essentials” or “Gratitude Gift Box.”
This not only creates great deals but also makes shopping more exciting for your customers. It helps you test what works before the big Black Friday and Cyber Monday rush.
And don’t forget to optimize your product titles and descriptions. This helps your deals show up in search engine results when shoppers are looking for Thanksgiving offers.
3. Build and Segment Your Email List
Start collecting emails using festive pop-ups like “Be the First to Know About Our Thanksgiving Deals!” Then segment your list: one for new subscribers, one for returning customers. Send email campaigns tailored to each group with personalized product suggestions.
A few pro tips:
- Add a small Thanksgiving-themed incentive to your pop-up, like “Sign up & get 10% off our Holiday Picks.”
- You can also create automated email flows. One for welcome messages and another for cart reminders to keep the momentum going all season long.
- Promote your signup forms across social media platforms like Instagram Stories and Facebook.
This helps build smarter holiday marketing strategies that feel more personal and timely.
Also read: The role of email marketing in launching and growing your business
4. Create Gift Guides for Easy Buying Decisions
Not everyone knows what they’re looking for, and that’s where gift guides work. In fact, 53% of Canadians say gift guides are sometimes helpful when choosing products during the holidays.
Help shoppers find the perfect item faster with themed collections like:
- “Gifts for Food Lovers”
- “Holiday Picks for Her”
- “Shop Under $50”
Place these guides on your homepage, feature them in your navigation menu, and share them through email and social media.
Bonus tips:
- Use carousel-style landing pages with engaging visuals and short product blurbs to keep things interactive.
- You can also create guides based on customer behavior, like “Based on What You Viewed” or “Top Picks in Your Area,” to make the shopping experience feel more personal.
- Use AI-powered tools to recommend products and create personalized gift guides for your shoppers.
These curated lists reduce friction in online shopping and boost sales and promotions by guiding shoppers straight to what they need, especially during busy shopping events like the Thanksgiving weekend.
Also read: How AI in eCommerce Is Revolutionizing Business Strategies in 2025?
5. Offer Exclusive “Thank You” Discounts
Send out surprise “Thank You” discount codes to your holiday shoppers as part of your Canadian Thanksgiving sale. Highlight appreciation in your messaging:
“Thanks for being part of our small business journey!”
You can send the discount via email or include it with each order as a little seasonal thank-you. A few more creative ways to delight your customers:
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- Include handwritten notes or special “gratitude” packaging for returning customers.
- Use festive stickers, eco-friendly wrap, or even a small freebie (like a holiday card) to delight them and keep your brand memorable.
These thoughtful gestures build emotional connection and increase repeat purchases.
6. Add Urgency with Scarcity and Countdown Timers
Shoppers often delay purchases or leave items in their carts, especially during busy sales periods. That’s why creating urgency is one of the simplest yet most effective tactics to boost conversions on your Shopify store.
Psychological studies show that scarcity and urgency are powerful triggers that significantly increase purchase intent, often more than personalization or standard discounts. As per last year’s reports, urgency tactics can boost conversion rates by up to 332%.
When people feel like time or stock is running out, they’re more likely to make faster decisions. You can use phrases like “Only 5 left!” or show how many others are viewing the same item in real-time.
Countdown banners like “Thanksgiving Sale Ends in 02:15:20” add pressure in just the right way, especially when shoppers feel they’re about to miss out on great deals.
- Use limited-edition bundles like “Only 20 Holiday Care Kits Available.”
- Add a progress bar for visuals, showing items sold vs. remaining, to build even more urgency.
This tactic works well during peak shopping hours and can be applied across product pages, cart sections, and even email subject lines.
7. Host an After-Hours Online Shopping Event
Create excitement with a night-only event just for your online store. With more shoppers browsing late in the evening, especially during the holiday season when days are packed, an after-hours sale feels like a special invite-only party.
It taps into changing shopping habits and adds a bit of mystery and fun to your Canadian Thanksgiving sale.
You can make this more engaging using these tips:
- Add cozy, festive visuals or music to create an inviting vibe for online retailers.
- Offer “night owl” discounts or perks like Buy Now, Pay Later at checkout for those who join the event.
- You can also add mystery discounts revealed only during the livestream to keep shoppers engaged until the end.
- Use livestreams to showcase products or offer Q&A chats with the maker (great for Shopify merchants who are small or local brands).
8. Partner with a Local Charity
Support a good cause by donating a portion of your Thanksgiving tradition sales to a local nonprofit. You can also give discounts in exchange for customer donations. This can be something like “$5 Off for Every $10 Donated” or a special “Gift with a Cause” promo.
- Share the campaign on your social media to increase the impact.
- Show behind-the-scenes moments, tag the charity, and encourage shoppers to share their purchases.
It builds emotional connection and strengthens your holiday marketing strategies while honoring the spirit of giving during the Canadian Thanksgiving sale. You can also donate a small portion of each purchase to a local charity.
This not only celebrates the true meaning of Thanksgiving but also makes your customers feel good about supporting a cause.
9. Leverage Cart Recovery Tools
Many customers add items to their cart and forget to check out—especially during busy sales like the Canadian Thanksgiving sale. Use cart recovery tools like Shopify Email, Klaviyo, or Privy to send friendly reminders or limited-time discount nudges automatically.
On average, about 70% of online shopping carts are abandoned before checkout (Baymard Institute via Shopify report). These apps help bring shoppers back before the deal ends, turning abandoned carts into actual sales.
- Customize cart emails with Canadian Thanksgiving sale visuals and messaging.
- Offer a “last chance” deal or add a product suggestion.
- Send cart recovery emails with product bundles like “Finish Your Holiday Set!” for better sales and promotions and a smoother shopping experience.
You can even add urgency with lines like “We’re holding this purchase for 24 hours only!” to gently nudge them toward checkout.
10. Run Targeted Social Media Campaigns
Plan Thanksgiving-themed posts that build excitement across your social channels. Social media is where most shoppers go to discover new products, check reviews, and find holiday deals, so it’s key to stay visible.
Focus on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, where visuals and short videos work best. Mix up your content with countdown stories, limited-time offers, behind-the-scenes prep, customer testimonials, and gift guide reels.
A content calendar helps you stay consistent, on-brand, and relevant throughout the Canadian Thanksgiving sale period.
- Use hashtags like #ThanksgivingSaleCanada, #CanadianThanksgiving, and #ShopLocalCanada.
- Pair those with geo-targeted ads to attract Canadian customers specifically and boost visibility during this festive window.
- Post Instagram Stories with polls or quizzes like “Pumpkin pie or pecan?”, to increase engagement while subtly reminding followers about your deals.
- You can also use carousel posts to highlight limited-time offers or behind-the-scenes prep for your Canadian Thanksgiving sale.
11. Highlight BOPIS (Buy Online Pickup In Store)
Make it easier for holiday shoppers with the Buy Online, Pick Up In Store option. It’s quick, convenient, and skips shipping delays, perfect for last-minute planners shopping during your Canadian Thanksgiving sale.
- Add this perk right on the product page and remind shoppers of it during checkout.
- Offer free gift wrapping or small freebies for those who choose BOPIS.
You can even combine it with Buy Now, Pay Later to give more flexibility and encourage local foot traffic during the Thanksgiving week.
12. Reward Loyal and Returning Customers
Recognize your returning customers with exclusive perks like early access to your Thanksgiving collection or “Thank You” bundles.
- You can mail them with this message, “You’re on our Nice List! Shop 24 hours before everyone else.”
- You can also offer loyalty points for every Thanksgiving purchase, then remind them how close they are to their next reward.
- Even a simple “We’re grateful for you” message can go a long way for your returning customers.
It shows that your marketing efforts are about more than just selling, but about building trust and lasting relationships during the Canadian Thanksgiving sale season.
These simple, heartfelt strategies can transform your Canadian Thanksgiving sale into a memorable experience and help your store become the first one shoppers click.
What’s on your Shoppers’ Minds (and in their Carts) During Canadian Thanksgiving?
More Canadians are turning to online shopping during the Thanksgiving weekend. With over 27 million online shoppers in Canada, there’s a strong surge behind every Thanksgiving sale in Canada (according to research from last year).
Shoppers are already in holiday season mode. As per last year’s findings, around 21% of younger Canadians planned to finish most of their shopping before Thanksgiving. Across all age groups, people are browsing early, comparing prices, and researching sales and promotions before buying.
But it’s not just about discounts. Purchasing decisions today are based on both value and trust.
Omnichannel shopping is also a big factor. 88% of Canadians prefer a mix of online and in-store options. Many start their search online, even if they buy later in person.
For Shopify merchants, this is the perfect moment to highlight deals, optimize mobile sites, and offer helpful product info to stand out with a strong Canadian Thanksgiving sale.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Sleep on This Thanksgiving
Canadian Thanksgiving is a big chance for local brands to grow. With shoppers starting early, it’s the perfect time to try new ideas, test offers, and turn first-time buyers into loyal customers. A well-run Thanksgiving sale can boost your retail sales and set the tone for the rest of the holiday season.
From exclusive “Thank You” discounts and cart recovery emails to local charity partnerships and BOPIS perks, these 12 tips are all about making your Canadian Thanksgiving sale more thoughtful, more engaging, and more effective. Use them to create a shopping experience that feels special and keeps customers coming back.
At Mastroke, we help Shopify store owners get noticed, whether it’s setting up your store, running smart SEO, or managing your marketing. If you’re a local brand looking to grow online, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Let’s make this Thanksgiving your best one yet. Reach out to Mastroke and let’s build something great together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Canada have Thanksgiving sales?
Yes, many Canadian stores run Thanksgiving sales, especially online. It’s a great chance for Shopify brands to offer early holiday deals.
2. How is Thanksgiving celebrated?
Most families gather for a big meal, often with turkey, pumpkin pie, and fall-themed dishes. It’s also a time for gratitude and togetherness.
3. Is Thanksgiving a business day in Canada?
No, Thanksgiving is a public holiday in most parts of Canada. Many businesses, including local stores, are closed for the day.
4. Is Thanksgiving a big deal in Canada?
It is, especially for local communities. For online brands, it’s also a key moment to connect with shoppers before the holiday season begins.
5. Is Canadian Thanksgiving the same as in the United States?
Not exactly. Canadian Thanksgiving happens in October, while the United States celebrates it in late November. But both holidays focus on gratitude, family, and good food, and both offer great sales opportunities for online stores.
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