Black Friday, a US-imported day of shopping hysteria, has taken hold in the UK. Four years ago Amazon started offering Black Friday discounts in its UK stores, and now business of all shapes and sizes are getting involved. It is estimated that on 28 November UK retailers will spend a whopping £556m; the spending frenzy that follows American Thanksgiving looks set to become a regular feature on retailers’ sales calendar.
But will it just be the behemoths, or are smaller, independent business cashing in on Black Friday too? Here’s some of the reactions that business owners and commentators have had to say on the day:
Grace Gordon, owner of accessories store Grace Gordon
I have decided to offer customers 20% off all my products and I have already definitely noticed more views on the website and more sales. As I reach a broad range of people worldwide on social media and I also ship to the US, it’s important for my business to offer customers some deals for Black Friday.
Elsa Winterstein, owner of London-based Elsie’s Droguerie
I haven’t made any offers available for Black Friday, but this morning after I looked at my social media accounts (and saw all the promotions) I thought maybe I should offer some deals for the weekend. I am not sure I want to call it Black Friday though as this is more of an American thing. I was also thinking on Monday I will launch a calendar until Christmas, where customers will receive different discounts on different products for each day.
Robert Gregory, Planet Retail research director
What we have seen this year is a whole range of retailers who have pushed Black Friday. Typically it has been the biggest ones who have the buying, sourcing and marketing expertise and power. But really there is nothing to stop any retailer, regardless of size, getting involved, even if they only have an online presence. The danger is that if they don’t, they might be losing out.
Deryane Tadd, owner of womenswear retailer The Dressing Room in St Albans offered a complimentary gift wrap service and free delivery to all customers ordering on Black Friday
I’ve noticed already that we’ve doubled turnover on the same day last year - and that’s without even offering a discount. However I felt pressure from customers in-store. I think because of the media frenzy about the event, people expected discounting.
Did you offer any Black Friday promotions? Leave a comment below or email us at smallbusinesssnetwork@guardian.co.uk.
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