Manitoba retailers are dishing up deals to combat the shopping frenzy south of the border where American stores are preparing for Black Friday.

Newspapers in Winnipeg on Thursday were stuffed with flyers advertising big sales over the next few days. Large bold letters proclaim sales of 50, 60, 75 per cent off.

Black Friday, the first Friday after U.S. Thanksgiving, is the traditional start to the holiday shopping season. It's when retailers lay out their best deals to entice customers.

The sales typically lure many Manitobans across the border to cash in on the savings.

But Chuck Davidson, vice president at the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, said Canadian retailers are working hard to keep consumers north of the border.

"Our big day, of course, is Boxing Day. But they're looking at it, saying, 'hey maybe this could be the kick-off for that Christmas shopping season if we can get on board with what we know is going on south of the border,'” he said.

In Winnipeg, a $100 set of pre-lit Christmas trees at Canadian Tire are advertised for $25, while a cookset that retailed at a regular price of $900 is now being offered for $250.

Prices on appliances and electronics at Sears are knocked right down and some gear at SportChek is hundreds of dollars off the regular price.