Bargain shopping frenzy Could even be bigger than Boxing Day
States.”
Tolley said Black Friday and the busy shopping season ahead were going to be important for Kiwi businesses in order to keep local money local.
Blended Eatery owner Toni Frampton is jumping on board the Black Friday sales by running a social media giveaway of four of her popular raw slices. “Black Friday is a good time to support local businesses and get a bit more exposure,” she said.
“I can’t wait to get out and do my shopping as well and support local. I know it’s American but with so many businesses struggling or closing down after lockdown the best thing to do is share the love.”
The Cottage owner Chantelle Boyd has a jewellery set to give away and many more instore specials on Black Friday. “We want to share the love.”
Float Fitness owner Louise Kirkham admitted she was reluctant to take part in the sales but decided to after seeing the demand for it.
“I sold heaps last year. People love a good sale, especially now with it being so close to Christmas.”
The business’ Black Friday sales included a 12-class pass discounted from $240 to $199, an annual pass price drop from$1250 to $999 as well
as discounts on massages. “Everyone is looking for a sale at the moment. Being able to offer something to current and possibly new members is really important.”
Bayfair Shopping Centre manager Steve Ellingford said the centre was experiencing an early Christmas rush and expected things to only get busier. “We expect it to ramp up with Black Friday, which is growing in popularity each year. The American shopping holiday is gaining traction with New Zealand retailers marking it as the unofficial point where Christmas shopping kicks into high-gear.”
Ellingford said some of the shopping centre’s retailers had even extended their Black Friday offers to be week-long. “Considering the year we’ve had, early indications suggest these shopping events will provide a much-needed boost for the retail sector as we head into Christmas.”
Tauranga Crossing centre manager Andrew Wadsworth said the shopping mega-mall’s retailers were embracing Black Friday this year “like never before”.
“This is a combination of combating the challenging year that they have had and a sign that Black Friday has becomemoremainstream. We’ve seen a growing interest in Black Friday every year and this year is going to be even bigger than last.
Wadsworth said it was great to see Kiwis quickly adopting the popular international shopping day, however, Christmas Eve and Boxing Day were still the most popular shopping dates for the centre.
Papamoa Plaza centre manager David Hill said Black Friday was growing. “It’s up there with all of the other sales days. It’s certainly bigger than an average Friday but nothing will beat our Boxing Day.”
Fraser Cove asset manager Marie Mischewski said stores had been promoting their Black Friday sales. “There is no doubt as a nation we love the word sale and . . . we still love finding that bargain.”