Retailers report disappointing start to Black Friday sales
UK retailers have reported encountering shorter queues at their doors and tills than the mania encountered last year, with no sign of a repeat of any unseemly check out brawls over widescreen TV’s which defined last year’s melee.
Analysts had been anticipating record sales this year as stores opened early and slashed prices in an effort to lure customers; with Experian predicting online purchases of £1.07bn being made over the 24 hour period and Visa Europe anticipating combined online and in-store sales of £1.9bn.
Participating retailers this year include Argos, as well as selected outlets of Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Currys PC World. Notable absentees include Asda and Primark with others such as John Lewis joining in only half-heartedly.
Concern has been raised by some retailers that the pre-Christmas sales are ‘unprofitable and unsustainable’ whilst bargain hunters continue to hold out for Boxing Day when the biggest discounts become available.
This year’s good behaviour contrasts with last year’s mayhem with frustrated shoppers resorting to violence to snag a bargain, websites crashing and harassed delivery companies failing to keep pace with demand.