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Black Friday: shoppers take to their mobile in search of best deals
Black Friday: shoppers take to their mobile in search of best deals
(35 minutes later)
Mobile phones took the strain on Black Friday as shoppers snapped up deals from home, at the bus stop and on the train – dealing another blow to struggling high streets on one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
Mobile phones took the strain on Black Friday as shoppers snapped up deals from home, at the bus stop and on the train – dealing another blow to struggling high streets on one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
Argos said half of its orders on Friday morning had been made on a handset, up from 40% last year, while Carphone Warehouse said its sales through smartphones were up 8% year on year.
Argos said half of its orders on Friday morning had been made on a handset, up from 40% last year, while Carphone Warehouse said its sales through smartphones were up 8% year on year.
Shoppers were not only looking for deals on toys, electrical goods and beauty products but also planning trips away next year. Internet searches for Black Friday holiday deals were up more than 1,000% on the same period in 2017, according to analysis by MyVoucherCodes.
Shoppers were not only looking for deals on toys, electrical goods and beauty products but also planning trips away next year. Internet searches for Black Friday holiday deals were up more than 1,000% on the same period in 2017, according to analysis by MyVoucherCodes.
Overall, shoppers on Friday appeared to be spending less than last year. Barclaycard said there were 10% more transactions using its debit and credit cards by 3pm, but that the total amount spent was 10% less. Part of that change is because shoppers have been able to spread their bargain hunting over a longer period time after a number of retailers began discounting earlier in the week or even last week, including John Lewis and Amazon.
Overall, shoppers on Friday appeared to be spending less than last year. Barclaycard said there were 10% more transactions using its debit and credit cards by 3pm, but that the total amount spent was 10% less. Part of that change is because shoppers have been able to spread their bargain hunting over a longer period time after a number of retailers began discounting earlier in the week or even last week, including John Lewis and Amazon.
With most of the activity taking place online this year, there was little sign on Friday morning of the in-store frenzy seen several years ago when there were fights over discounted TVs. However, there were reports of long queues at Aldi for those wanting to buy the supermarket chain’s limited Kevin the Carrot cuddly toy.
With most of the activity taking place online this year, there was little sign on Friday morning of the in-store frenzy seen several years ago when there were fights over discounted TVs. However, there were reports of long queues at Aldi for those wanting to buy the supermarket chain’s limited Kevin the Carrot cuddly toy.
By Friday afternoon, some high street stores had queues snaking outside. But overall, footfall in town centres, shopping centres and retail parks was down by 6%, according to the shopper monitoring firm Springboard, as caution about spending during a time of Brexit uncertainty combined with the switch to buying online.
By Friday afternoon, some high street stores had queues snaking outside. But overall, footfall in town centres, shopping centres and retail parks was down by 6%, according to the shopper monitoring firm Springboard, as caution about spending during a time of Brexit uncertainty combined with the switch to buying online.
“Clearly Black Friday has become an online event,” said Diane Wehrle of Springboard.
“Clearly Black Friday has become an online event,” said Diane Wehrle of Springboard.
The websites of Debenhams and Game Digital crashed under the strain on Thursday evening while Superdrug’s went down briefly on Friday.
The websites of Debenhams and Game Digital crashed under the strain on Thursday evening while Superdrug’s went down briefly on Friday.
John Rogers, the chief executive of Argos, said he expected about 70% of its sales to be online this year, up from about 65% last year.
John Rogers, the chief executive of Argos, said he expected about 70% of its sales to be online this year, up from about 65% last year.
On Friday morning he said sales were about the same as last year. “In the current retail environment we thought it might be more challenging. The reality is it’s quite tough out there for consumers at the moment. With the uncertainty they want to make sure when they do shop they are getting a great bargain.”
On Friday morning he said sales were about the same as last year. “In the current retail environment we thought it might be more challenging. The reality is it’s quite tough out there for consumers at the moment. With the uncertainty they want to make sure when they do shop they are getting a great bargain.”
The increase in online transactions will mean more pressure on warehouse and delivery staff during their busiest time of the year.
The increase in online transactions will mean more pressure on warehouse and delivery staff during their busiest time of the year.
There were demonstrations outside Amazon warehouses in the UK led by the GMB union and strikes in Germany, Italy and Spain. Unions accused the company of placing warehouse workers under too much pressure.
There were demonstrations outside Amazon warehouses in the UK led by the GMB union and strikes in Germany, Italy and Spain. Unions accused the company of placing warehouse workers under too much pressure.
“Amazon’s refusal to negotiate with unions is not only a violation of workers’ rights, it is dangerous. By not addressing workers concerns, hazards remain, and the injuries continue,” said Christy Hoffman, the general secretary of the UNI Global Union. “Next-day delivery should not mean a lifetime of pain for Amazon workers.”
“Amazon’s refusal to negotiate with unions is not only a violation of workers’ rights, it is dangerous. By not addressing workers concerns, hazards remain, and the injuries continue,” said Christy Hoffman, the general secretary of the UNI Global Union. “Next-day delivery should not mean a lifetime of pain for Amazon workers.”
The company said its European delivery network was fully operational.
The company said its European delivery network was fully operational.
“Amazon has created in the UK more than 25,000 good jobs with a minimum of £9.50 an hour and in the London area, £10.50 an hour on top of industry-leading benefits and skills training opportunities,” it said.
“Amazon has created in the UK more than 25,000 good jobs with a minimum of £9.50 an hour and in the London area, £10.50 an hour on top of industry-leading benefits and skills training opportunities,” it said.
“All of our sites are safe places to work and reports to the contrary are simply wrong.”
“All of our sites are safe places to work and reports to the contrary are simply wrong.”
Experts have warned that retailers risk going into the red by Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounting in an effort to win sales in a lacklustre market. Cyber Monday, a web-only sales day, takes place next week.
Experts have warned that retailers risk going into the red by Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounting in an effort to win sales in a lacklustre market. Cyber Monday, a web-only sales day, takes place next week.
A string of retailers which shunned Black Friday last year participated this year, including the clothing chains Jigsaw and Whistles, the supermarket Asda and the DIY firm Homebase.
A string of retailers which shunned Black Friday last year participated this year, including the clothing chains Jigsaw and Whistles, the supermarket Asda and the DIY firm Homebase.
However, retailers have reined in on the array and depth of discounts this year, according to the research firm GfK. It said, for example, that only a third of laptops were discounted this Black Friday compared with 70% last year , and that the average price drop was 8.9% compared with 9.5%.
However, retailers have reined in on the array and depth of discounts this year, according to the research firm GfK. It said, for example, that only a third of laptops were discounted this Black Friday compared with 70% last year, and that the average price drop was 8.9% compared with 9.5%.
Julie Palmer, a partner at the advisory firm Begbies Traynor, said: “It seems retailers are now coming to a crossroads, being damned if they do, and damned if they don’t participate in Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.
Julie Palmer, a partner at the advisory firm Begbies Traynor, said: “It seems retailers are now coming to a crossroads, being damned if they do, and damned if they don’t participate in Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.
“If they do, then [profit] margins won’t be significant despite the investment needed for it, and it could result a negative knock-on effect on future sales during the crucial Christmas period. If they don’t, then store footfall and online traffic will decline, public perceptions may be affected and a longer-term drop in sales may be experienced.”
“If they do, then [profit] margins won’t be significant despite the investment needed for it, and it could result in a negative knock-on effect on future sales during the crucial Christmas period. If they don’t, then store footfall and online traffic will decline, public perceptions may be affected and a longer-term drop in sales may be experienced.”
Where to get the best deals
Amazon UK
What’s happening? Amazon’s 10-day Black Friday sale runs until 25 November. There is also a pop-up event in east London on 22-25 November, with prize giveaways and cocktail, jewellery and candle-making workshops (doors open for 24 hours on Black Friday).
Where? Go to Amazon’s Black Friday page.
What? There will be “deals of the day” and “lightning deals” – products that are discounted for a short period of time.
The biggest reductions include a 55in Philips 4K Ultra HD TV for £1,199 – a £300 discount – and more than £100 off De’Longhi coffee machines.
AO
What’s happening? The AO.com sale is underway.
Where? Find out more here.
What? Promotions include a Lenovo 15.6in laptop reduced by £30 to £269 and a Toshiba smart 4K ultra-HD TV discounted by £90 to £279.
Argos
What’s happening? Argos launched its discounts on 16 November.
Where? The Argos Black Friday website is here.
What? Deals include 30% off Hive smart cameras at £129 and a Fitbit Blaze smart watch for £109, reduced by £20.
Asda
What’s happening? Asda has rejoined the Black Friday party with a fortnight of promotions that run until 27 December and are billed as “green is the new black”.
Where? Online promotions can be found here.
What? Offers include a Little Tikes Stem Jr WonderLab reduced by £30 to £60; a Hot Wheels slot track set for £45, down from £74.87; and an Oral-B toothbrush for £50, down from £98.
Asos
What’s happening? The online fashion retailer has knocked 20% off everything with the code HELLO20.
Where? Find out more here.
Bensons for Beds
What’s happening? The bed retailer’s sale runs until 27 November.
Where? In stores; online deals can be found here.
What? Up to half price on some beds and mattresses, for an Allegra Ottoman bed frame is selling for £299.
Body Shop
What’s happening? Body Shop offers 40% off hundreds of items and 25% off gifts on its website, with the code 19805.
Where? Go to the website.
What? Promotions include an online-only Black Friday bundle for £40 (worth £88).
Boohoo
What’s happening? The online fashion retailer is offering big discounts on dresses.
Where? Find out more on the website.
What? There are discounts of 30% to 88% on dresses, for example a Holly one-shoulder bodycon dress now sells for £31.
Boots
What’s happening? The Boots sale has started and runs through to Cyber Monday.
Where? In stores and online.
What? Offers include a Ted Baker Stately Collection gift set at £22.50, 50% off, and a No7 Mega Collection at £150, 61% off.
Boux Avenue
What’s happening? The lingerie chain is offering Black Friday flash deals from 18-26 November, with up to 40% off some items.
Where? In stores and online.
What? A Clara robe is discounted to £24 from £30 while a Julia satin PJ set is reduced to £36 from £45.
Carphone Warehouse
What’s happening? The “Black Tag” event at Carphone Warehouse runs for almost a month until 4 December.
Where? You can shop online here.
What? Pay monthly deals include a £200 saving on a Samsung Galaxy S9, which comes at a monthly cost of £26.99, and £100 off an iPhone 7, which comes in at £25.99 a month – both without upfront fees. Pay-as-you-go deals include a Nokia 6 for £159, £60 off.
Clarks
What’s happening? The shoe retailer has different daily deals.
Where? The Black Friday deals are here.
What? Clarks is currently offering 25% off adult boots.
Currys PC World
What’s happening? The electrical retailer launched its sale two weeks early, offering discounts of up to £600 on hundreds of products in store and online.
Where? “Why Wait?” deals can be found here.
What? Deals include a Sony Bravia 55in smart 4K Ultra HDR OLED TV for £1,899, a £400 saving; £500 off a 55in LG 4K ultra-HD TV at £1,299; £200 off HP laptops; an LG American-style fridge-freezer for £899, £400 off; and a Hotpoint 8kg 1400 spin washing machine for £239, a £110 discount.
Debenhams
What’s happening? Debenhams is doing 12 days of Black Friday deals until 1 December – payday weekend. More than 100 of its 165 stores will open earlier than usual on Black Friday, at 8am, and the majority will stay open until 8pm or 9pm, with a third closing at 10pm or 11pm.
Where? The online sale is here.
What? There are half-price women’s, men’s and kids’ boots, up to half price on beauty, perfumes and electricals; and 40% off women’s and kids’ knitwear. Some of these offers are time-limited.
eBay
What’s happening? eBay has a sale from 19-30 November.
Where? You can find offers here.
What? Offers include an LG 65” 4K UHD Smart LED TV for £679.
Gap
What’s happening? The US retailer has started its Black Friday deals.
Where? Online only here.
What? Gap is offering 40% off full-price items and an extra 25% off sale items until 24 November.
Habitat
What’s happening? The Habitat sale is billed as black five days, from 21-26 November, with discounts on hundreds of items.
Where? In stores and online.What? A Jerry dining table with four chairs discounted from £790 to £540 and an Industry pendant light reduced from £95 to £25.
Halfords
What’s happening? Black Friday started early at the bike and car parts retailer, and runs for a month and a day until 2 December, online and in store. New offers will be released on Black Friday.
Where? Customers can find out more here.
What? Deals include discounts on bikes from the adult Carrera and Pendleton ranges; more than half price off some tool and socket sets; and 20% off all kids’ bikes and some scooters.
Hamleys
What’s happening? The Hamleys sale runs until 26 November in stores and online, with savings of up to 50% on hundreds of toys and games.
Where? The online sale is here.
What? Half price offers include an Angler Attack Drone at £35 and a Maisie & Jack My Little Supermarket Set at £25; while the supersize soft toy Unice the Unicorn is reduced to £30 from £70.
Hobbs
What’s happening? The women’s fashion retailer is offering 20% off everything from 19-25 November.
Where? In stores and online.
What? A Mariana coat and a Saskia trench are reduced to £159.20 each, from £199. On top of the 20% site-wide discount, there are also daily deals on some items.
Hobbycraft
What’s happening? The arts and crafts retailer has kicked off its sale early.
Where? Online and in stores.
What? There are half price offers such as a storage trolley for £25; £7 off a kids easel at £18 and wreaths for 50p.
House of Fraser
What’s happening? The embattled department store chain is offering up to 60% off across fashion, home and beauty, until Monday.
Where? In stores; online promotions can be found here.
What? Promotions include a Karen Millen striped high-neck top for £45, reduced from £60; an ISAA Olivia deep V-maxi dress for £47.60, reduced from £119; and an Antler Pluto cabin spinner suitcase half price at £65.
Hummingbird Bikes
What’s happening? The luxury bicycle maker is running a Black Friday sale from 23-25 November, knocking 30% off all models.
Where? There is limited availability in store – the sale is mainly online.
What? Its foldable commuter bikes will cost £2,447, down from £3,495 for the single-speed model; £2,622 discounted from £3,745 for multi-speed; and £3,147, down from £4,495 for the electric model.
John Lewis
What’s happening? John Lewis says it has lowered hundreds of prices. Because of its “never knowingly undersold” promise, the department store will also be price-matching some competitors again throughout the Black Friday sale period.
Where? Customers can find out more here.
What? Offers include a Samsung Galaxy Tab A tablet discounted by £39 to £159 and a Bosch washing machine reduced by £80 to £349.
Laptops Direct
What’s happening? The tech website offers more than 40% off on laptops, drones and other gadgets.
Where? The sale is here.
What? The website has an HP Pavilion x360 laptop for £299.97, £100 off; and three electriQ smart lighting wi-fi bulbs reduced to £30 from £44.91.
Lidl
What’s happening? Lidl took part for the first time last year. Its second foray into Black Friday starts on 23 November.
Where? In stores while stocks last.
What? Offers include £150 off a Toshiba 43-inch full HD smart LED TV, to £199; a Nutribullet blender discounted by £20 to £39.99; and a yard of Spanish chorizo for £7.99.
Marks & Spencer
What’s happening? M&S will not be participating in Black Friday again this year but will be releasing details on any promotions before Christmas.
Morrisons
What’s happening? Morrisons kicked off its sale early, on 14 November. Most of the deals are time limited – “when it’s gone it’s gone”.
Where? In stores – customers can find out more here.
What? Offers include a magnum of prosecco for £10, a £30 beer advent calendar with 24 bottles and a pack of four British steaks for £10.
Mothercare
What’s happening? The Mothercare sale runs until 26 November.
Where? In stores and online.
What? Mothercare offers up to 60% off all toys, up to 50% off some car seats, bedding and nursery furniture; and 25% all clothing, footwear and accessories.
Natural History Museum
What’s happening? The Natural History Museum shop has a different offer every day between 22 and 27 November.
Where? Online deals can be found here.
What? Deals include a Shackleton Signature jumper reduced by half to £62.50 and 50% off some toys.
Notonthehighstreet
What’s happening? The online marketplace launched its “One Day Wonders” on 18 November with discounts of up to 30%. The actual Black Friday sale runs from 23 November until 26 November, with savings of up to 50% on thousands of products.
Where? On the website.
What? Deals include 30% off handmade zodiac necklaces and family advent calendars.
PlayStation
What’s happening? The sale lasts until 2 December or until stocks run out.
Where? In stores and online.
What? The PlayStation VR Starter Pack + Astro Bot sells for £179.99 at participating retailers, a saving of more than £90. Marvel’s Spider-Man PS4 game is reduced by £20 to £34.99.
Sainsbury’s
What’s happening? Sainsbury’s has just launched its Black Friday sale, which runs until Monday. It is offering 25% off all Tu clothing and has deals on its entire range, from groceries to electronics.
Where? In stores and online.
What? Current offers include a bottle of Baileys for £15, down from £20, and a Ferrero Rocher Collection for £8, reduced from £10. Sainsbury’s also promises promotions on tablets, HD TVS, laptops and household appliances with savings of up to £220.
Sports Direct
What’s happening? The Black Friday sale starts on Thursday and runs until Monday. Those who spend £50 get a £10 voucher to use in-store and online.
Where? In stores and online here.
What? There are discounts of 65%-80% on mens, ladies and kids trainers and tops.
Superdrug
What’s happening? Superdrug kicked off its sale early for its loyalty card holders in store and online. Deals are now generally up for grabs until 27 November, or until stocks last.
Where? Online promotions can be seen here.
What? Deals include a Philips Sonicare ProClean toothbrush reduced to £59.99 from £179.99; a beauty box reduced to £12 from £25 on Black Friday only; and savings on fragrances, only in stores from 21-27 November.
Ted Baker
What’s happening? Ted Baker’s technology partner, Proporta, is offering up to 60% off on its website.
Where? The Black Friday sale runs on 21-25 November here, followed by a Cyber Week sale from 26 November until 3 December here.
What? Deals include Ted Baker folio cases for iPhone X/XS, reduced to £23.97 from £39.95.
Tesco
What’s happening? Tesco launches its Black Friday sale at more than 700 Superstores and Extra stores at 5am on Friday, similar to last year. Promotions last until Monday.
Where? In store only – the company shut its non-food website, Tesco Direct, in the summer.
What? Offers include a Sharp 40-inch smart full HD TV with Freeview at £179, £100 off; and a Shadow of the Tomb Raider video game at £24, down from £49.
Virgin Experience Days
What’s happening? The Black Friday Weekend sale runs from 23 until 26 November.
Where? Go to the website.
What? There will be discounts of up to 75% on supercar track days, afternoon tea treats, Segway adventures and football stadium tours.
Wayfair
What’s happening? The Wayfair sale is under way and runs until 3 December. Surprise flash deals launch on Black Friday every three hours, until Cyber Monday.
Where? The sale is here.
What? Offers include a Zeller kitchen trolley reduced by 27% to £94.99 and a Jasper three-seater sofa discounted by 14% to £609.48.
Wiggle
What’s happening? The sports retailer’s sale lasts for almost a month until 26 November.
Where? You can find deals here.
What? Deals include 50% off an X-Tools bike tool kit at £24.99 and a Castelli Aero Lite jacket at £87.50.
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