Laurier expert alert: Black Friday and the holiday season

Nov. 24, 2022
For Immediate Release

WATERLOO — Black Friday is almost here and the winter holiday season is approaching. Wilfrid Laurier University has experts available to speak about topics including Black Friday, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on retailers, and measures Canadians can take to maintain mental and physical health during the holidays.

BLACK FRIDAY

Brad Davis, an associate professor of marketing in Laurier’s Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, is an expert on brand communications and strategy, consumer behaviour and ethical issues in marketing communications. He is available to comment on marketing and branding during the holiday season. Contact: bdavis@wlu.ca

Ebrahim Mazaheri is an associate professor of marketing in the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics. He teaches digital marketing and marketing research and is available to speak about online shopping and consumer behaviour during the pandemic, as well as social media marketing. Contact: emazaheri@wlu.ca

Chun (Martin) Qiu, an associate professor of marketing at the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, is an expert on retail and big data marketing. He is available to comment on holiday shopping activities, online shopping and store promotions, as well as big data marketing. Contact: cqiu@wlu.ca

STAYING HEALTHY AND WELL DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Stephanie DeWitte-Orr, an associate professor in Laurier’s Health Sciences and Biology programs, is a virologist and immunologist. She studies how human and animal bodies detect and respond to viral infections. DeWitte-Orr is available to speak about how the coronavirus affects human health, how it spreads between individuals, and how infections can be prevented and treated. Contact: sdewitteorr@wlu.ca

Justin Cavallo, an associate professor in Laurier’s Department of Psychology, is an expert on close relationships and social support. Cavallo’s research examines relationships from a social-cognitive perspective, exploring how people's motivational preferences affect interpersonal thought and behaviour. He is available to speak about the mental health implications of isolation and what people can do to stay well. Contact: jcavallo@wlu.ca

Judy Eaton, a professor in the Department of Psychology and faculty advisor for the Certificate in Positive Psychology program, is an expert on apologies, remorse and forgiveness, as well as other topics related to positive psychology, including adult colouring and its role in stress reduction and mindfulness, compassion and resiliency. Contact: jeaton@wlu.ca