With lower overall growth predicted (particularly in the ‘mature” electricals market), analyst Global Data says that early discounts will mean consumers are expecting even better deals on Black Friday itself (this Friday, November 29). The retail analyst predicts a total spend of £4.3bn in the UK over the Black Friday period.
Amazon officially started its Black Friday sale on Friday (November 22). Its Deals of the Day included 58% off Tefal GV9071 ProExpress Care High Pressure Steam Generator, 50% Le Creuset casseroles and 40% off Joseph Joseph. Meanwhile John Lewis’ deals include up to 50% off cookware.
Zoe Mills, retail analyst at GlobalData, acknowledges: “Black Friday promotional sales continue to outperform the overall quarter as shoppers both delay spend that would have otherwise occurred before the event, while other shoppers bring forward spend, for example to capitalise on the low prices when purchasing Christmas gifts.
“However, its influence is waning as growth is forecast to be 2.2% versus 3.5% in 2018. We are also seeing an increasing number of retailers discount ahead of the promotional event, often depicting these sales as a pre-Black Friday promotion.
“While this may ease the demand on logistics operations over the period, it will mean that shoppers demand ever steeper discounts during Black Friday as they expect something more from retailers during this time.”
However, the fact that Black Friday falls after most paydays may prompt an increase in spending this weekend.
Top: John Lewis & Partners is promoting its Black Friday promotions.
