Interac is predicting that this Friday, the last before Christmas, will be the busiest shopping day all year. The debit company is predicting 25 million debit transactions will be made. According to Interac’s point-of-sale data, Canadians made over 24 million transactions and spent over $1.2 billion on Friday, December 23, 2016.
The influx of customers has many retailers getting ready for big crowds. Lloyd Mall general manager Kim Richer says they are no exception.
“Everybody thinks Christmas Eve is the busiest day of the year, but December 23rd traditionally is the busiest day of the year. We’re just being prepared for the next couple of days to be super busy.”
Richer adds that there are ways people can help make shopping easier on other customers and store staff.
“I think just coming having eaten so you’re not hungry and frustrated, maybe making a list so that you have a game plan when you show up to the mall so you know what stores you need to hit and just being prepared that way.”
The Lloyd Mall is open from 10 to 9 Friday and 10 to 5 on Christmas Eve.