Tills ring in SC to signal Black Friday

South Canterbury’s retail sector got a kickstart in the lead-up to Christmas with people spending large on Black Friday sales.

Paymark, which accounts for the processing of the majority of Eftpos payments, has revealed that $9.2 million of purchases were processed across South Canterbury for the November 29-December 1 period – up 12 per cent on last year.

It has become a popular period for retailers in the lead-up to Christmas, with several shops holding sales.

Nathan Smith, who owns Stompz shoe store on Stafford St, said it was great to see crowds of people in Timaru’s CBD over the course of the Black Friday period.

‘‘With everyone competing for sales, you have to do something to stand out,’’ Smith said.

‘‘That said, it was just really nice to see the main street busy. The place looked vibrant.’’

Smith said Black marked the beginning Christmas rush.

South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce chief executive Wendy Smith said it would appear Black Friday and adjoining days are proving popular with shoppers.

‘‘Many retailers are noting that Black Friday seems to have overtaken Boxing Day as the most lucrative day of sales. Timaru was certainly awash with special offers and black balloons adding to the festivity,’’ she said.

Viv Tinkler said Michael Hill Jeweller was steady throughout the weekend.

Richard Brownie, of Pronto Hair Salon, said the Black Friday was ‘‘definitely up’’ on ordinary trading.

‘‘It certainly gave us a bit of a kick,’’ Brownie said.

Paymark’s national spokesman Paul Brislen said in some parts of the country, department stores, clothing shops, furniture outlets, sports equipment retailers and toy and game shops experienced growth of more than 60 per cent.

Friday of the