Black Friday is a turn-off for thousands of Irish shoppers, a new survey reveals.
Almost a quarter of people dislike the fact that it’s an ‘American thing’ that’s been adopted here.
And nearly a third think the “deals” are not as much of a bargain a stores would like us to believe.
A fifth of shoppers also dislike the fact that “deals” are weighted towards supporting big online retailers over local Irish shops.
However, the US shopping trend has proved a hit among younger age groups, with 60% of those aged 18-24 planning to snap up a tech-related bargain.
Graham Ross, of Lottoland Ireland, said the poll of 1,000 people shows Irish shoppers are a “cynical bunch”.
He added: “It’s not all bad though, as Black Friday has actually made many shoppers, particularly in the older age groups, more conscious of shopping local each year.
“And at least our younger age groups feel that they’ve have hit the jackpot, getting a great chance to fill their virtual stockings ahead of Santa’s arrival.”
The survey also shows:
*The over-65 age group are the most dissatisfied of all groups with the ‘new’ Black Friday celebration, with 38% feeling cynical about advertised deals.
*In the same age category, 35% would prefer to return to the traditional Irish Christmas shopping season, which begins on December 8th and involves visiting retailers as oppose to shopping online.
*40% of Irish shoppers admitted they actually like Black Friday due to good deals
*Women are more likely to be out bargain hunting, with just 10% of females planning not to take part in any Black Friday shopping blitz, compared to 16% of men.
In terms of supporting local, Munster shoppers top the poll with 23% unhappy that Black Friday favours big name online retailers above the local main street.
Dubliners are definitely the biggest fans of Black Friday around the country, with 45% delighted to bag a deal.
Beyond the capital’s county bounds, Leinster people are more wary with 33% admitting that they don’t like the queues, misleading ads and the pressure to spend.
Negative responses to the survey amounted to 55% of the total while 13% of respondents said they don’t bother getting involved at all.
