Happy Black Friday

Generali

Today is known as Black Friday in the US. It's the first shopping day in the run-up to Christmas and the day when retailers traditionally move into profit for the first time in the year.

It'll be interesting to see how it goes this year.

Going4TheDream

Generali wrote: »

Today is known as Black Friday in the US. It's the first shopping day in the run-up to Christmas and the day when retailers traditionally move into profit for the first time in the year.

It'll be interesting to see how it goes this year.

I was up in Liverpool last weekend visiting my daughter. Despite it being not the end of the month or near payday it was really really busy and I was genuinely surprised at how busy it was.

Not only was it very busy but people had bags and bags of shopping, not just the lower end of the market but top end shops too.

Last time I was up there it was noticeable that not only did it seem a lot less busy but the shops were empty of people and a lot less bags being carried about

I suppose as long as people arent throwing their purchases on the flexible friend and paying back till next Christmas perhaps it is a good sign?

vivatifosi

There was an article about this on the beeb about 10 mins ago. Anyone who's been in the States for Black Friday will know its a big deal and that there's nothing like that here yet, but there are signs that some companies - particularly net retailers - are adopting it here. They also went to one store in a big mall that had opened early.

Clothing retailers in particular (John Lewis manager today, Philip Green as part of Arcadia statement yesterday) saying that the very mild winter is hitting them hard.

silvercar

vivatifosi wrote: »

There was an article about this on the beeb about 10 mins ago. Anyone who's been in the States for Black Friday will know its a big deal and that there's nothing like that here yet, but there are signs that some companies - particularly net retailers - are adopting it here. They also went to one store in a big mall that had opened early.

Clothing retailers in particular (John Lewis manager today, Philip Green as part of Arcadia statement yesterday) saying that the very mild winter is hitting them hard.

The Apple Store and Amazon have Black Friday sales.

Bonia77

I was walking yesterday evening on Regent's Street, London. I have completely opposite impression. It was dead for this time of the year...

There were some people shopping, but not that many. Maybe they all went to Westfield?

On the other hand, is there anyone in the UK that really need (as opposite to 'want') any new clothes????

Kennyboy66

vivatifosi wrote: »

There was an article about this on the beeb about 10 mins ago. Anyone who's been in the States for Black Friday will know its a big deal and that there's nothing like that here yet, but there are signs that some companies - particularly net retailers - are adopting it here. They also went to one store in a big mall that had opened early.

Clothing retailers in particular (John Lewis manager today, Philip Green as part of Arcadia statement yesterday) saying that the very mild winter is hitting them hard.

MSE's very own retail analyst (along with fc123)

Hats off to you.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/nov/25/blacks-leisure-profit-warning

wymondham

Bonia77 wrote: »

I was walking yesterday evening on Regent's Street, London. I have completely opposite impression. It was dead for this time of the year...

There were some people shopping, but not that many. Maybe they all went to Westfield?

On the other hand, is there anyone in the UK that really need (as opposite to 'want') any new clothes????

Not sure about clothes, but traditionally everyone needs a new sofa according to ITV sponsors and adverts...... what is the need to get your sofa for christmas?

Kennyboy66

wymondham wrote: »

Not sure about clothes, but traditionally everyone needs a new sofa according to ITV sponsors and adverts...... what is the need to get your sofa for christmas?

so you can eat your Christmas dinner on your lap, watching adverts for the B & Q boxing day sale ?

stonethrower

I cant say much about the shops but my wife's restaurant has more Christmas bookings than ever.

michaels

When I put on my jeans that are now ripped from the knee to the hem on both legs with my 5 year old trainers my wife has the effrontery to suggest I need some new clothes to which I reply that I am 9possibly) going to be doing some DIY and anyway there is years of wear left in them.

(Second anyway given how much she spends on clothes for her and the kids it is not surprising tramps often offer me 50p in the street)

Bonia77 wrote: »

On the other hand, is there anyone in the UK that really need (as opposite to 'want') any new clothes????

onlyroz

Bonia77 wrote: »

On the other hand, is there anyone in the UK that really need (as opposite to 'want') any new clothes????

There was a thread on the families board a few months back about how often people wear their clothes before washing them - and an astoundingly large number of people said that they change every stitch of their clothing every day. Such people will wear out their clothes much more quickly and so will need replacements more often.

As for me, I buy two skirts and a few shirts each year, along with a few packs of knickers, for work, and that's about it.